SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPTIMIZING ENERGY CONSUMPTION OF AN INDOOR SPACE
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure, in general, relates to energy optimization, and in particular, relates to system and method for optimizing energy consumption of an indoor space by controlling HVAC systems.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The following description of the related art is intended to provide background information pertaining to the field of the disclosure. This section may include certain aspects of the art that may be related to various features of the present disclosure. However, it should be appreciated that this section be used only to enhance the understanding of the reader with respect to the present disclosure, and not as admissions of the prior art.
[0003] With the advancement in technology and increasing requirement of conservation of energy, various techniques and systems may be installed to minimize energy consumptions. As would be understood, in an indoor space, HVAC systems (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) may be responsible for maintaining optimal temperature and air flow. With the increasing occupants in the indoor space, the manner in which the HVAC systems may be used, may result in wastage of energy.
[0004] Conventionally, various techniques exist in the art for improving the efficiency of HVAC systems. For example, occupancy sensors, programmable thermostats, variable air volume (VAV) systems, energy management systems, thermal imaging, etc, may be used for improving the energy consumption of an indoor space. However, the existing and conventional technologies and methodologies may be inefficient, owing to the limitations in terms of their sensing capabilities, suboptimal control strategies, and limited adaptability to dynamic conditions.
[0005] Therefore, there exists a need for approaches for optimizing energy consumption of an indoor space.
SUMMARY
[0006] This section is provided to introduce certain objects and aspects of the present invention in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify the key features or the scope of the claimed subject mater. Aspects of the present disclosure relate to energy optimization of an indoor space. In particular, the present disclosure provides approaches for improving energy efficiency of an indoor space by controlling HVAC systems.
[0007] An embodiment of the present disclosure pertains to a system for optimizing energy consumption of an indoor space. The system may include a processor and an optimization unit coupled to the processor. The optimization unit may be configured to: receive intramural data from at least one of a plurality of zones of the indoor space, wherein the received intramural data from each of the plurality of zones correspond to habitat conditions of the corresponding zone of the indoor space; based on the received intramural data, determine a measure of energy consumption in each of the plurality of corresponding zones of the indoor space; and based on the determined energy consumption in each of the zones, determine a zone with energy consumption more than a predefined level, and dynamically control HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems of the corresponding zone of the indoor space.
[0008] In another aspect, controlling the HVAC systems of the corresponding zone of the indoor space comprises at least one of a: controlling airflow, controlling ventilation rates, adjusting variable air volume dampers, controlling air distribution, controlling actuator value or a combination thereof, of the corresponding zone of the indoor space.
[0009] In yet another aspect, the optimization unit, based on controlling the HVAC systems of the corresponding zone of the indoor space, is to further maintain an optimum temperature of the corresponding zone of the indoor space.
[0010] In yet another aspect, the optimization unit, based on controlling the HVAC systems of the corresponding zone of the indoor space, is to further implement at least one of an energy consumption reduction technique in the corresponding zone, and wherein the energy consumption reduction techniques comprise occupancy-based scheduling, thermal insulation improvements, and equipment optimization.
[0011] In yet another aspect, the system may further include a plurality of sensors in communication with the system. The plurality of sensors may be installed in the plurality of zones of the indoor space, and each of the plurality of sensors is to: monitor a corresponding zone in the indoor space; based on the monitoring, capture a thermal image of the corresponding zone; and based on the captured thermal image of the corresponding zone, cause to determine intramural data, wherein the determined intramural data corresponds to habitat conditions of the corresponding zone, and wherein the habitat conditions comprise at least one of an occupancy, temperature distribution, heat dissipation pattern, or a combination thereof, of the corresponding zone of the indoor space.
[0012] In yet another aspect, the system further comprises a controller communicatively coupled to at least one of the plurality of sensors. The controller is to: based on the captured thermal image, determine the intramural data.
[0013] In yet another aspect, the plurality of sensors is Infrared Sensors.
[0014] In yet another aspect, the optimization unit (108), based on the received intramural data, is to determine the zone with energy consumption more than a predefined level using Machine Learning algorithms.
[0015] Another embodiment of the present disclosure pertains to a method for optimizing energy consumption of an indoor space. The method may include: receiving (302), by a system (102), intramural data from at least one of a plurality of zones of the indoor space, wherein the received intramural data from each of the plurality of zones correspond to habitat conditions of the corresponding zone of the indoor space; based on the received intramural data, determining (304), by the system (102), a measure of energy consumption in each of the plurality of corresponding zones of the indoor space; and based on the determined energy consumption in each of the zones, determining (306) by the system, a zone with energy consumption more than a predefined level, and dynamically control HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems of the corresponding zone of the indoor space.
[0016] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary network environment with a system for optimizing energy consumption of an indoor space, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary block diagram representing functional units of the system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; [0020] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram representing steps of a method for optimizing energy consumption of an indoor space, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0021] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary computer system in which or with which embodiments of the present disclosure may be utilized, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, various specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent, however, that embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. Several features described hereafter can each be used independently of one another or with any combination of other features. An individual feature may not address all of the problems discussed above or might address only some of the problems discussed above. Some of the problems discussed above might not be fully addressed by any of the features described herein.
[0023] The ensuing description provides exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the disclosure. Rather, the ensuing description of the exemplary embodiments will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing an exemplary embodiment. It should be understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth.
[0024] Specific details are given in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. For example, circuits, systems, networks, processes, and other components may be shown as components in block diagram form in order not to obscure the embodiments in unnecessary detail. In other instances, well-known circuits, processes, algorithms, structures, and techniques may be shown without unnecessary detail in order to avoid obscuring the embodiments.
[0025] Also, it is noted that individual embodiments may be described as a process which is depicted as a flowchart, a flow diagram, a data flow diagram, a structure diagram, or a block diagram. Although a flowchart may describe the operations as a sequential process, many of the operations can be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations may be re-arranged. A process is terminated when its operations are completed but could have additional steps not included in a figure. A process may correspond to a method, a function, a procedure, a subroutine, a subprogram, etc. When a process corresponds to a function, its termination can correspond to a return of the function to the calling function or the main function.
[0026] The word “exemplary” and/or “demonstrative” is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. For the avoidance of doubt, the subject matter disclosed herein is not limited by such examples. In addition, any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” and/or “demonstrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs, nor is it meant to preclude equivalent exemplary structures and techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “includes,” “has,” “contains,” and other similar words are used in either the detailed description or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as an open transition word without precluding any additional or other elements.
[0027] As used herein, “'connect”, “configure”, “couple” and its cognate terms, such as “connects”, “connected”, “configured”, and “coupled” may include a physical connection (such as a wired/wireless connection), a logical connection (such as through logical gates of semiconducting device), other suitable connections, or a combination of such connections, as may be obvious to a skilled person.
[0028] As used herein, “send”, “transfer”, “transmit”, and their cognate terms like “sending”, “sent”, “transferring”, “transmitting”, “transferred”, “transmitted”, etc. include sending or transporting data or information from one unit or component to another unit or component, wherein the content may or may not be modified before or after sending, transferring, transmitting.
[0029] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” or “an instance” or “one instance” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.
[0030] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
[0031] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosures as defined by the appended claims.
[0032] The approaches of the present subject matter provide a robust and an efficient way for optimizing energy consumption of an indoor space. Based on a measure of energy consumption in different zones of the indoor space, the proposed system may efficiently manage HVAC systems of such zones, and thereby optimize the energy consumption of the indoor space. The proposed system, based on control of HVAC systems, further maintains an optimum temperature in each of the zones of the indoor space, thereby improving thermal comfort of the indoor space as well. As a result, this may also result in elimination of unnecessary energy wastage.
[0033] As would be further appreciated, the proposed system further provides various energy consumption reduction technique for zones, which may have the energy consumption more than a predefined level. The proposed approaches ensure that occupants in various zones of the indoor space experience optimal thermal comfort while minimizing energy consumption. The system may be flexible, thereby allowing it to adapt to changing environmental conditions, occupant behaviours, and building usage patterns, ensuring longterm energy efficiency and sustainability.
[0034] Furthermore, it may be noted that, the proposed system enables proactive identification and mitigation of energy inefficiencies, resulting in substantial energy and cost savings.
[0035] The manner in which the proposed system is used for optimizing energy consumption of an indoor space is further explained in detail with respect to FIGs. 1-4. It is to be noted that drawings of the present subject matter shown here are for illustrative purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the subject matter claimed. Further, FIGs. 1-2 have been explained together, and same reference numerals have been used to refer to identical components and entities.
[0036] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary network environment 100 including a system 102. The system 102 may be used for optimizing energy consumption of an indoor space, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In one example, the system 102 may be implemented in an indoor space of which the energy consumption may require to be optimized. In another example, a part of the system 102 may be implemented within such indoor space, and the system 102 in its entirety may be in communication with such parts implemented in the indoor space. Examples of such indoor spaces may include, but are not limited to, buildings, commercial spaces, residential spaces, and shopping complexes. However, any other indoor space may also be considered, and all such other examples would he within the scope of the present subject matter.
[0037] In another example, the system 102 may be implemented as any hardware-based, software-based, or network-based computing device known to a person skilled in the art. Such explanation has not been provided here for the sake of brevity. It may be further noted that the system 102 may be implemented as any other system as well, capable of receiving an input, processing it, and generating an output.
[0038] Continuing further, as depicted in FIG. 1, the network environment 100 may include a centralized server 104 in communication with the system 102 over a network 106. In one example, the centralized server 104 may be implemented using any or a combination of hardware-based, software-based, network-based computing device, or a cloud-based computing device.
[0039] In the context of the present example, in one example, the centralized server 104 may be implemented within the vicinity of the system 102. In another example, the centralized server 104 and the system 102 may be implemented in different locations in the indoor space. All such examples and implementations would be covered within the scope of the present subject matter.
[0040] Continuing further, in one example, the network 106 may be a wireless network, a wired network or a combination thereof that can be implemented as one of the different types of networks, such as Intranet, Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), Internet, and the like. Further, the network 106 may either be a dedicated network or a shared network. The shared network may represent an association of different types of networks that can use variety of protocols, for example, Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), Transmission Control Protocol/Intemet Protocol (TCP/IP), Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), and the like.
[0041] Referring to FIG. 1, the centralized server 104 may include an optimization unit 108. Although, as depicted in FIG. 1, the optimization unit 108 may be present within the centralized server 104 and may be in communication with the system 102 over the network 106. However, the same should not be construed to limit the scope of the present subject matter in any manner. The optimization unit 108 may be present within the system 102 as well, as would be explained with reference to FIG. 2. Such an example would also lie within the scope of the present subject matter.
[0042] In one example, the optimization unit 108 may be implemented as a processing resource. In another example, the optimization unit 108 may be implemented as a combination of a transceiver and a processing resource. The optimization unit 108 may be capable of receiving data, processing it, and transmitting data.
[0043] A person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the network environment 100 may be modular and flexible to accommodate any kind of changes in the network environment 100.
[0044] The working of the system 102 is explained in conjunction with FIG. 2. FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram representing functional units of the proposed system for optimizing energy consumption of an indoor space, such as system 102.
[0045] As depicted in FIG. 2, the exemplary functional units of the system 102 may include one or more processor(s) 202. The one or more processor(s) 202 may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, logic circuitries, and/or any devices that manipulate data based on operational instructions. Among other capabilities, the one or more processor(s) 202 may be configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory 204 of the system 102. The memory 204 may store one or more computer-readable instructions or routines, which may be fetched and executed to create or share the data units over a network service. The memory 204 may include any non-transitory storage device including, for example, volatile memory such as Random-access Memory (RAM), or non-volatile memory such as Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-only Memory (EPROM), flash memory, and the like.
[0046] In an embodiment, the system 102 may also include an interface(s) 206. The interface(s) 206 may include a variety of interfaces, for example, interfaces for data input and output devices, referred to as I/O devices, storage devices, and the like. The interface(s) 206 may facilitate communication of the system 102 with various devices coupled to the system 102. The interface(s) 206 may also provide a communication pathway for one or more components of the system 102. Examples of such components include, but are not limited to, processing engine(s) 208 and database 210.
[0047] In an embodiment, the processing engine(s) 208 may be implemented as a combination of hardware and programming (for example, programmable instructions) to implement one or more functionalities of the processing engine(s) 208. In examples described herein, such combinations of hardware and programming may be implemented in several different ways. For example, the programming for the processing engine(s) 208 may be processor-executable instructions stored on a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium and the hardware for the processing engine(s) 208 may include a processing resource (for example, one or more processors), to execute such instructions.
[0048] In the present examples, the machine-readable storage medium may store instructions that, when executed by the processing resource, implement the processing engine(s) 208. In such examples, the system 102 may include the machine-readable storage medium storing the instructions and the processing resource to execute the instructions, or the machine-readable storage medium may be separate but accessible to the system 102 and the processing resource. In other examples, the processing engine(s) 208 may be implemented by electronic circuitry. In an embodiment, the database 210 may include data that is either stored or generated as a result of functionalities implemented by any of the components of the processing engine(s) 208. In an embodiment, the processing engine(s) 208 may include an optimization unit 108 and other unit(s) 212. The other unit(s) 212 may implement functionalities that supplement applications or functions performed by the system 102 and/or the processing engine(s) 208.
[0049] Continuing with the approaches of the working of the present subject matter, as described previously, the system 102 may be implemented in an indoor space, such as buildings, commercial spaces, residential spaces, shopping complexes, etc. The system 102 may be used to optimize energy consumption of such indoor spaces.
[0050] In operation, the optimization unit 108 may receive intramural data from at least one of a plurality of zones of the indoor space. The received intramural data from each of the plurality of zones may correspond to habitat conditions of the corresponding zone of the indoor space. The habitat conditions may include at least one of an occupancy, temperature distribution, heat dissipation pattern, or a combination thereof, of the corresponding zone of the indoor space. Such habitat conditions are only exemplary, and are not to be construed to limit the scope of the present subject matter in any manner. Any other examples of habitat conditions would also be covered within the present subject matter.
[0051] In an embodiment, the optimization unit may be configured to receive and utilize external environmental data, enhancing its adaptability and decision -making capabilities. This feature enables the system to integrate real-time information such as temperature, humidity, and other relevant environmental parameters into its optimization processes. By incorporating this external data, the optimization unit can make more informed and context- aware decisions, leading to improved efficiency and performance across a wide range of applications. This flexibility to incorporate environmental factors underscores the unit's versatility and its ability to deliver optimized outcomes under varying conditions.
[0052] In one example, the system 102 may receive the intramural data from at least one of a plurality of sensors (not shown in FIGs. 1-2) installed in the plurality of respective zones of the indoor space. In such case, the plurality of sensors may be in communication with the system 102. In one example, the sensors may be Infrared (IR) sensors. In an example, the plurality of sensors may include but not limited to thermal-humidity sensor, occupancy sensor, return air temperature sensor and the like. In another example, the sensors and the system 102 may communicate using a network, such as network 106, as described previously. The same explanation has not been provided here again for the sake of brevity. It may be further noted that any other type of sensors capable of monitoring and determining habitat conditions of the zones of the indoor space may also be used, and would he within the scope of the present subject matter.
[0053] Each of the plurality of sensors may monitor a corresponding zone in the indoor space. Based on the monitoring, the sensors may capture a thermal image of the corresponding zone. Based on the captured thermal image of the corresponding one, the sensors may then cause to determine the intramural data. The determined intramural data may correspond to habitat conditions of the corresponding zone, and may be received by the optimization unit 108 of the system 102. In one example, a controller (not shown in FIGs. 1- 2) may be communicatively coupled to at least one of the plurality of sensors. Based on the captured thermal image, the controller may determine the intramural data.
[0054] Returning to the present example, based on the received intramural data, the optimization unit 108 may, based on the received intramural data, determine a measure of energy consumption in each of the plurality of corresponding zones of the indoor space. In a non-limiting example, the system may measure energy consumption in terms of BTU (British Thermal Unit) in each of the plurality of corresponding zones of the indoor space. As would be understood, a measure of BTU of a particular zone in an indoor space may refer to an amount of heat that may be generated in the said zone.
[0055] Continuing further, based on the determined energy consumption in each of the zones, the optimization unit 108 may then determine a zone with energy consumption more than a predefined level. In one example, the optimization unit 108 may determine the zone with energy consumption more than a predefined level using Machine Learning algorithms.
[0056] Continuing further, based on the determination of the zone with energy consumption more than a predefined level, the optimization unit 108 may dynamically control HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems of the corresponding zone of the indoor space.
[0057] In an embodiment, controlling of HVAC systems of the corresponding zone of the indoor space may include, but are not limited to, controlling airflow, controlling ventilation rates, adjusting variable air volume dampers, controlling air distribution, controlling actuator value or a combination thereof, of the corresponding zone of the indoor space.
[0058] As would be appreciated, such dynamic control of HVAC systems of different zones of the indoor space in each of such corresponding zones may enable optimization of energy consumption of the indoor space. In one example, based on such control of the HVAC systems of the corresponding zone of the indoor space, the optimization unit 108 may further maintain an optimum temperature of the corresponding zone of the indoor space. This, in turn, may enable optimum temperature control and energy consumption of the entire indoor space.
[0059] In another example, based on the control of HVAC systems of the corresponding zone of the indoor space, the optimization unit 108 may further implement at least one of an energy consumption reduction technique in the corresponding zone, and wherein the energy consumption reduction techniques comprise occupancy-based scheduling, thermal insulation improvements, and equipment optimization.
[0060] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram representing steps of a method 300 for optimizing energy consumption of an indoor space, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method 300 may be implemented within the system 102, as described in conjunction with FIGs. 1-2.
[0061] At block 302, the method 300 may include receiving, by the system 102, intramural data from at least one of a plurality of zones of the indoor space, wherein the received intramural data from each of the plurality of zones correspond to habitat conditions of the corresponding zone of the indoor space. [0062] At block 304, the method 300 may include, based on the received intramural data, determining, by the system 102, a measure of energy consumption in each of the plurality of corresponding zones of the indoor space.
[0063] At block 306, the method 300 may include, based on the determined energy consumption in each of the zones, determining, by the system 102, a zone with energy consumption more than a predefined level, and dynamically control HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems of the corresponding zone of the indoor space.
[0064] It may be appreciated that the steps shown in FIG. 3 are merely illustrative. Other suitable steps may be used for the same, if desired. Moreover, the steps of the method 300 may be performed in any order and may include additional steps.
[0065] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary computer system 400 in which or with which embodiments of the present disclosure may be utilized. The computing system 400 may be implemented as or within the system 102 described in conjunction with FIGs. 1-2. As depicted in FIG. 4, the computer system 400 may include an external storage device 410, a bus 420, a main memory 430, a read-only memory 440, a mass storage device 450, communication port(s) 460, and a processor 470. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the computer system 400 may include more than one processor 470 and communication ports 460. The processor 470 may include various modules associated with embodiments of the present disclosure. The communication port(s) 460 may be any of an RS-232 port for use with a modem-based dialup connection, a 10/100 Ethernet port, a Gigabit or 10 Gigabit port using copper or fiber, a serial port, a parallel port, or other existing or future ports. The communication port(s) 460 may be chosen depending on a network, such a Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), or any network to which the computer system 400 connects.
[0066] In an embodiment, the main memory 430 may be Random Access Memory (RAM), or any other dynamic storage device commonly known in the art. The read-only memory 440 may be any static storage device(s) e.g., but not limited to, a Programmable Read Only Memory (PROM) chips for storing static information e.g., start-up or Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) instructions for the processor 470. The mass storage device 450 may be any current or future mass storage solution, which can be used to store information and/or instructions. Exemplary mass storage solutions include, but are not limited to, Parallel Advanced Technology Attachment (PATA) or Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) hard disk drives or solid-state drives (internal or external, e.g., having Universal Serial Bus (USB) and/or Firewire interfaces). [0067] In an embodiment, the bus 420 communicatively couples the processor 470 with the other memory, storage, and communication blocks. The bus 420 may be, e.g. a Peripheral Component Interconnect PCI) / PCI Extended (PCI-X) bus, Small Computer System Interface (SCSI), Universal Serial Bus (USB), or the like, for connecting expansion cards, drives, and other subsystems as well as other buses, such a front side bus (FSB), which connects the processor 470 to the computer system 400.
[0068] In another embodiment, operator and administrative interfaces, e.g. a display, keyboard, and a cursor control device, may also be coupled to the bus 420 to support direct operator interaction with the computer system 400. Other operator and administrative interfaces may be provided through network connections connected through the communication port(s) 460. Components described above are meant only to exemplify various possibilities. In no way should the aforementioned exemplary computer system 400 limit the scope of the present disclosure.
[0069] Thus, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the diagrams, schematics, illustrations, and the like represent conceptual views or processes illustrating systems and methods embodying this invention. The functions of the various elements shown in the figures may be provided through the use of dedicated hardware as well as hardware capable of executing associated software. Similarly, any switches shown in the figures are conceptual only. Their function may be carried out through the operation of program logic, through dedicated logic, through the interaction of program control and dedicated logic, or even manually, the particular technique being selectable by the entity implementing this invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art further understand that the exemplary hardware, software, processes, methods, and/or operating systems described herein are for illustrative purposes and, thus, are not intended to be limited to any particular named.
[0070] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.