Coiled Wire Mesh System for Train Platform Pedestrian Safety

This application is a U.S. Non-Provisional Utility patent application which claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/640,206 filed on Apr. 30, 2024, the entire contents of all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

The field of the invention and its embodiments relate to pedestrian safety and right of way barriers for trains and subway platforms, and more specifically to a coiled wire mesh system for train platform pedestrian safety.

Every year many people fall from railway platforms and are injured or killed. Passengers may be inadvertently hurled onto an unsafe railway, often through motions of masses of people entering and departing platforms. Several factors can contribute to this issue such as overcrowding, lack of clear signage, distractions, and gaps between platforms and trains.

Right-of-way (ROW) barriers aim to minimize these injuries and deaths and to generally prevent pedestrians from entering a railroad ROW to prevent/minimize vandalism, to restrict use of ROW as shortcuts, and to deter pedestrians from intentionally entering a path of an oncoming train. Noted problems depicted for trains apply equally to other related forms of transportation, such as subways.

ROW barriers near platforms, where passengers enter and leave a train, are especially challenging to viably implement as a balance must be struck between practicality, safety, passenger flow rates, cost, and aesthetics. Some fencing used as a ROW barrier, may be potentially harmful to pedestrians occasionally rubbing against potentially abrasive fencing, may encourage some pedestrians to climb over this fencing, may encourage vandalism, may diminish passenger flow-rates, or may otherwise significantly add to passenger travel time via bottlenecking large quantities of moving pedestrians.

One aspect of the disclosure is for a barrier system for passenger safety while on a platform for a train or similar transport, collectively referred to as a vehicle. The barrier system includes a first vertical support, a section vertical support, a bottom mesh track, a top mesh track, and a mesh barrier section. The first vertical support and a second vertical support, each extend from a platform surface to a ceiling of a platform. The supports are positioned proximate to an edge of the platform and a drop off leading to a track used by the vehicle. The platforms are positioned so that between the platforms lies a door of the vehicle that intermittently stops at the platform for passenger ingress and egress. The bottom mesh track is positioned approximately parallel to the platform surface and extends substantially between the first and second vertical supports. The top mesh track is positioned approximately parallel to the bottom mesh track and at a distance greater than six feet above the bottom mesh track. The top mesh track extends substantially between the first and second vertical supports. The mesh barrier section is positioned so that a topmost portion is connected to the top mesh track and a bottommost portion is connected to the bottom mesh track. The mesh barrier section is configured so that when closed it substantially extends in a planar fashion between the first vertical support and the second vertical support blocking passenger movement between the supports. The mesh barrier section is further configured so that when open the mesh barrier section permits unobtrusive passage for passengers across the region demarcated by the supports thereby permitting passage between the platform and the door of the vehicle.

In another aspect, a barrier system for passenger safety prevents passengers from falling off a platform edge near a train track when the barrier, which is a steel curtain, is closed. The system includes a bottom mesh track, a top mesh track, a set of rollers, and a flexible metal mesh barrier. The bottom mesh track is positioned approximately parallel to a platform surface and extends approximately parallel to an edge representing a drop off between the platform surface and a track used by a train or subway, The bottom mesh track comprises an upwardly facing opening. The top portion of the bottom mesh track is approximately level with the platform surface. The top mesh track is attached to the ceiling of the platform and is approximately parallel to the bottom mesh track. The top mesh track has a downwardly facing opening. A set of rollers are positioned within an interior of the bottom mesh track and the top mesh track. A flexible metal mesh barrier extends between the openings of the top and bottom mesh tracks. The set of rollers connect to the flexible metal mesh barrier allowing it to be slidably coupled so that it opens and closes along a length defined by the top and bottom mesh tracks.

Another aspect discloses a barrier system for passenger safety while on a platform for a train. The barrier system includes a bottom mesh track, a top mesh track, a right-side mesh barrier, and a left-side mesh barrier. The bottom mesh track is positioned approximately parallel to a platform surface and extending approximately parallel to an edge representing a drop off between the platform surface and a track used by a train or subway. The bottom mesh track includes an upwardly facing opening. A top portion of the bottom mesh track is approximately level with the platform surface. The top mesh track is attached to a ceiling of the platform and configured approximately parallel to the bottom mesh track. The top mesh track has a downwardly facing opening. The right and left side barriers are flexible metal mesh barriers configured to extend between the openings of the top and bottom mesh tracks. The right-side mesh barrier is anchored on a right side and has an opposing end that slidably extends leftward. The left-side mesh barrier is anchored on the left side and has an opposing end that slidably extends rightward. When the right-side and left-side mesh barriers are fully extended the barriers interlock resulting in a closed state that blocks passenger passage between the platform and the train or subway. When the right-side and left-side mesh barriers are fully retracted the barriers do not impede passenger passage between the platform and the train or subway.

The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Identical elements in the various figures are identified with the same reference numerals.

Reference will now be made in detail to each embodiment of the present invention. Such embodiments are provided by way of explanation of the present invention, which is not intended to be limited thereto. In fact, those of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate upon reading the present specification and viewing the present drawings that various modifications and variations can be made thereto.

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.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the phrase “at least one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed within the list of elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified within the list of elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or, equivalently, “at least one of A or B,” or, equivalently “at least one of A and/or B”) can refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc.

As used herein, an “embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is included in at least one or more manifestations, examples, or implementations of this invention. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to a person having ordinary skill in the art. Combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, without the need for explicitly describing every possible permutation by example. Thus, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

The phrase “and/or,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, e.g., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and/or B”, when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” can refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements), etc. . . . .

As used herein, the word “include,” and its variants, is intended to be non-limiting, such that recitation of items in a list is not to the exclusion of other like items that may also be useful in the compositions and methods of this technology. Similarly, the terms “can” and “may” and their variants are intended to be non-limiting, such that recitation that an embodiment can or may comprise certain elements or features does not exclude other embodiments of the present technology that do not contain those elements or features.

Referring toB,A,B, andC, a mesh systemis disclosed that protects passengersfrom dangers incurred when entering and leaving a trainor similar transport, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. With reference to, pedestriansare positioned on a platform, which is often raised, such that there is a dropdue to track. A right-of-way (ROW) is selectively available through which passengersenter and leave a train, such as through its doorways. As shown in, during periods where trainingress/egress is unavailable, mesh barrier sectionsare closed, which protects from mishaps related to passengersentering a region of the trackand/or from passengerssustaining injury from drop. With reference to, during periods where trainingress/egress is available, mess barrier sectionsare opened.

It should be appreciated that the mesh system, although well adapted for passengerROW safety, is not so limited. For example, mesh systemalso provides additional safety measures for railway maintenance workers, for cargo loading situations, and the like. Further, it prevents vagrants, vandals, and other unauthorized personnel from entering railway tunnels. In one embodiment, the mesh systemcan be considered an anti-terrorism protective measure.

As can be seen from, the set of mess barriersextend across a region of platformthat passengerstraverse. The mesh barrier sectionscan be positioned on mesh tracks, which can be curved consistent with a curve or boundary of an outer edge of platform. In embodiments, the mesh barrier sectionscan be placed and/or connected to a set of platform specific supports. Thus, as seen in, the mesh systemcan be tailored to a variety of architectural constraints common for different platforms. The fabric or mesh of sectionsare sufficiently strong and tightly woven to significantly inhibit passage and are sufficiently flexible to allow for platformcurvatures. The curving nature of the mesh sectionsensure passengersafety, as it eliminates or minimizes rough edges, which may contact and abrase passengersand other objects moving proximate to the sections. Further, as noted by, the mesh sectionscan be sufficiently taunt when closed and sufficiently unobtrusively compacted when open to be not only aesthetically pleasing but to also ensure no or minimal bottlenecking results from their use.

As used herein, trackrefers to a guide pathway for a transportation vehicle, such as a train, that typically has a level difference, such as drop. Trackmay be a conventional railway track but is not so limited. A magnetic train, for example, has a similar pathway or track () within scope although it lacks conventional grooves within which trainwheels spin. In another example, a trolly or other conveyance may have a top-mounted wire guide and/or support mechanism, yet still have a path () depression compromising safety of passengers positioned on a raised region (platform).

With reference to, each metal sectioncan extend from a top mesh trackaffixed (see view) at or near the ceilingto a bottom mesh trackaffixed (see view) at or near the platformfloor. Such an arrangement is consistent with depictions in. In another embodiment, the top railingneed not extend to the ceilingor be directly connected thereto. That is, given various sizes and shapes of platformsand their various building architectures, significant distances may exist between top railingand a ceilingsurface. It is preferable that a heightof a mesh section, and therefore a distancebetween the topand bottommesh track sections is substantially uniform. Given that floors () and ceilingsoften have imperfections or level variations, leveling components, shims, and the like can be used to ensure distanceis consistent from top to bottom over a span. Even when distanceis uniform for a given platformor platform segment, a quantified value of distanceitself can vary from location to location based on site conditions. Site conditions include a fact that no uniform distance exists from floor () to ceilingfor platforms. Preferably, distanceshould be greater than a height and arm reach of a majority of anticipated passengers. In embodiments, distanceis at least seven feet or at least eight feet. Preferably, the bottom mesh trackis inset into the platformsurface to ensure no protrusion exists, which passengersmay trip over. As can be seen from view, bottom mesh trackcan be designed to minimize a gap distance.

Referring to view, in a preferred embodiment, the track componentguiding the mesh barrier section, includes a set of sliding rollers. As shown, rollerscan be positioned on opposing sides of a railing portion () supporting, at least in part, weight of the mesh barrier sectionand allowing it to move along the mesh track. In one embodiment, the sliding rollerscan be linked to a motor (one embodiment of actuator) resulting in movement. Other mechanisms for movement are contemplated, such as using an attached wire linked to a motor to change a position of a terminal point of each sectionbetween an open and closed state.

Referring to view, in a preferred embodiment, the track componentguiding the mesh barrier's movement along a bottom track section can similarly utilize a set of sliding rollers or wheels. Other arrangements are contemplated, which facilitate movement of the mess barrier sectionbetween the opened and closed state along this track defined pathway. For example, a series of magnet guides may exist, which ensure the positioning and may even assist with movement via an electromagnetic force.

In embodiments, top and bottom portions of the mesh barrier sectioncan be directly connected to the track guiding/moving component. As shown, a direct connection between the mesh barrierand the sliding rollersor wheels exists. In another contemplating embodiment, a biasing member, such as a portion of elastic or compressible fabric, a spring, or another tensioner, can be positioned in an intermediate junction pointbetween the track guiding component () to increase tension of the mesh barrier section.

Referring to view, a from view of few mesh barrier sectionsis shown. In one embodiment, a connection point or lockcan be positioned between sectionportions so that they are lockable when in a closed position (). For example, a magnetic release can be utilized, as can numerous other conventional locking fasteners. Further, one or more sensorscan be integrated so that a locked, open, closed state is able to be determined. In embodiments, a lock state and/or a sectionactuation () state can be controlled by electronics and/or a remote computing system, such as control server. Thus, a train conductor, or other authorized system controller, is able to control release of a lock, activation of actuator, and view a state of the various sensorsto ensure proper operation of system. As indicated in viewfor embodiments, a tension applied to each mesh section, especially when closed, can be sufficient to resist a level of blunt force consistent with ensuring safety of passengers. In one embodiment, a tension sensor () can determine an amount of tension based force present, which may be adjusted through one or more biasing or tensioning mechanisms, such as at junction point. In other embodiments, slight adjustments to the mesh track, track components, or wheelscan be used to adjust tension of the mesh barrier sections.

Referring to, the mesh systemcan have numerous components that include a set of mesh barrier sections, a mesh storage component, a section actuator, a set of mesh tracks, track components, supports, sensors, lock, a processor, a memory, and a transceiver. The transceivercan send information over a networkto a mesh control server. Mesh control servercan include a processor, a memory, one or more transceivers, and a barrier application. Servercan connect to numerous additional devicesvia network.

The mesh barrier sectionis a flexible fabric metal mesh. Other materials, such as high-impact plastics are able to be utilized in embodiments. Although various metals can be used for section, such as aluminum, titanium, and the like, steel is preferred in embodiments. The weave of sectioncan be created by interlocking individual strands of spiraled wire. Although different gauges of wire can be used, in one embodiment wire at least 8 mm wire is preferred for strength. Different weaves can be used, preferably a relatively tight weave that results in less than 50% open space in the resulting fabric sheet is preferred for enhanced strength. Weave patterns used for sectionvary largely based on aesthetics, but a weave that is durable and able to sustain significant blunt force damage is preferred.

A mesh stage compartmentcan be utilized to contain portions of the mesh barrier when retracted or in the open position. Section actuatorincludes mechanical and electrical components for moving the mesh barrier section. Track componentsinclude numerous couplers designed to couple the edges of the mesh barrier sectionto the track(s)and to ensure the sectionis able to slide along the track. Supportis a structural support, which will typically extend vertically from a floor to a ceiling, which assists in supporting mesh barrier sections.

The barrier control servercan be a computing deviceconfigured to monitor and control components of mesh system. The barrier control servercan, for example, turn on/off a section actuatorto open and close mesh sections. Servercan also selectively activate/deactivate lockand may receive input from the sensors. Authorized users can perform these functions through an interface of barrier application. In embodiments, local electronics proximately positioned to a set of controlled mesh barrier sectionscan be used as an alternative to and/or in addition to server. In one embodiment, each platform, such as that shown in, can include a local control panel able to override or otherwise control the mesh barrier sectionspositioned upon that platform.

In one embodiment, applicationand functions related thereto, can be integrated into numerous railways and/or platform systems, which are one embodiment of device(s). For example, a maintenance system for a railway may determine passage along trackis unsafe when trackhas power. Thus, when a maintenance devicehas scheduled maintenance time for an out-of-service platform, the lockcan automatically be enabled by application, until power along trackis disabled. In another embodiment, each platformcan be linked to a transportation scheduling system () that is aware of a set of times passengersare permitted on platform. When no passengersare permitted, the actuatorand lock, as controlled by application, can ensure the related mesh barrier sectionsare in a closed position ().

In another example, platformand railwaycan be monitored via cameras and motion sensors by a security system (). Authorized personnel can be provided access to open/close or lock/unlock mesh barrier sectionsbased on security system detected events. For example, a human, such as a maintenance worker, can be detected by a security system on a railway sideof a closed () barrier section. A security system () administrator may be authorized to selectively unlock and open section, which requires communication with serverexecuting code of application, to let the maintenance worker out. In still another embodiment, a control system () of a trainmay be authorized to open/close mesh systemsections.

For example, trainmay malfunction and be stopped in a tunnel, such that passengers are expected to briefly exist, once the track has been made safe, through an open, nearby mesh barrier section. In still another embodiment, a violent incident may occur on trainabout to stop at a platform, and a code can be entered to ensure the mesh barrier sectionsof that platform remain locked, for safety purposes of passengers. Alternatively, a set of compartment doors on a traincan be closed and others opened such that only the mesh barrier sectionsassociated with opened compartment doors may be opened, while the others remain closed.

A basic configuration of a computing device(such as the serverand device, and in embodiments “smart device(s) linked to system) is illustrated inby those components within the inner dashed line. In the basic configuration of the computing device, the computing deviceincludes a processorand a system memory. The terms “processor” and “central processing unit” or “CPU” are used interchangeably herein. In some examples, the computing devicemay include one or more processors and the system memory. A memory busis used for communicating between the one or more processorsand the system memory.

Depending on the desired configuration, the processormay be of any type, including, but not limited to, a microprocessor (μP), a microcontroller (μC), and a digital signal processor (DSP), or any combination thereof. In examples, the microprocessor may be AMD's ATHLON, DURON and/or OPTERON; ARM's application, embedded and secure processors; IBM and/or MOTOROLA's DRAGONBALL and POWERPC; IBM's and SONY's Cell processor; INTEL'S CELERON, CORE (2) DUO, ITANIUM, PENTIUM, XEON, and/or X SCALE; and/or the like processor(s).

Further, the processormay include one more levels of caching, such as a level cache memory, a processor core, and registers, among other examples. The processor coremay include an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a floating point unit (FPU), and/or a digital signal processing core (DSP Core), or any combination thereof. A memory controllermay be used with the processor, or, in some implementations, the memory controllermay be an internal part of the memory controller.

Depending on the desired configuration, the system memorymay be of any type, including, but not limited to, volatile memory (such as RAM), and/or non-volatile memory (such as ROM, flash memory, etc.), or any combination thereof. The system memoryincludes an operating system, one or more engines, such as an engine, and program data. In some embodiments, the enginemay be an application, a software program, a service, or a software platform, as described infra. The system memorymay also include a storage enginethat may store any information of data disclosed herein.

The operating systemmay be a highly fault tolerant, scalable, and secure system such as: APPLE MACINTOSH OS X (Server); AT&T PLAN; BE OS; UNIX and UNIX-like system distributions (such as AT&T's UNIX; BERKLEY SOFTWARE DISTRIBUTION (BSD) variations such as FREEBSD, NETBSD, OPENBSD, and/or the like; Linux distributions such as RED HAT, UBUNTU, and/or the like); and/or the like operating systems. However, more limited and/or less secure operating systems also may be employed such as APPLE MACINTOSH OS, IBM OS/2, MICROSOFT DOS, MICROSOFT WINDOWS 2000/2003/3.1/95/98/CE/MILLENNIUM/NT/VISTA/XP (Server), PALM OS, and/or the like. The operating systemmay be one specifically optimized to be run on a mobile computing device, such as IOS, ANDROID, WINDOWS Phone, TIZEN, SYMBIAN, and/or the like.

As explained supra, the GUI of the devicemay provide a baseline and means of accessing and displaying information graphically to users. The GUI may include APPLE MACINTOSH Operating System's AQUA, IBM's OS/2, Microsoft's WINDOWS 2000/2003/3.1/95/98/CE/MILLENNIUM/NT/XP/Vista/7 (i.e., AERO), UNIX'S X-Windows (e.g., which may include additional UNIX graphic interface libraries and layers such as K DESKTOP ENVIRONMENT (KDE), MYTHTV and GNU Network Object Model Environment (GNOME)), web interface libraries (e.g., ActiveX, AJAX, (D) HTML, FLASH, JAVA, JAVASCRIPT, etc. interface libraries such as, but not limited to, DOJO, JQUERY (UI), MOOTOOLS, PROTOTYPE, SCRIPT.ACULO.US, SWFOBJECT, or YAHOO! User Interface, any of which may be used.

Additionally, a web browser component (not shown) is a stored program component that is executed by the CPU. The web browser may be a conventional hypertext viewing application such as MICROSOFT INTERNET EXPLORER, EDGE, CHROME, FIREFOX, or NETSCAPE NAVIGATOR. SECURE WEB browsing may be supplied with 128 bit (or greater) encryption by way of HTTPS, SSL, and/or the like. Web browsers allowing for the execution of program components through facilities such as ACTIVEX, AJAX, (D) HTML, FLASH, JAVA, JAVASCRIPT, web browser plug-in A Pls (e.g., FIREFOX, SAFARI Plug-in, and/or the like A Pls), and/or the like. Web browsers and like information access tools may be integrated into PDAs, cellular telephones, and/or other mobile devices.

A web browser may communicate to and/or with other components in a component collection, including itself, and/or facilities of the like. Most frequently, the web browser communicates with information servers, operating systems, integrated program components (e.g., plug-ins), and/or the like; e.g., it may contain, communicate, generate, obtain, and/or provide program component, system, user, and/or data communications, requests, and/or responses. Of course, in place of a web browser and an information server, a combined application may be developed to perform similar functions of both. The combined application would similarly affect the obtaining and the provision of information to users, user agents, and/or the like from the enabled nodes of the present invention.

Moreover, the computing devicemay have additional features or functionality, and additional interfaces to facilitate communications between the basic configuration and any desired devices and interfaces. For example, a bus/interface controller is used to facilitate communications between the basic configuration and data storage devices via a storage interface bus. The data storage devices may be one or more removable storage devices, one or more non-removable storage devices, or a combination thereof. Examples of the one or more removable storage devices and the one or more non-removable storage devices include magnetic disk devices (such as flexible disk drives and hard-disk drives (HDD)), optical disk drives (such as compact disk (CD) drives or digital versatile disk (DVD) drives), solid state drives (SSD), and tape drives, among others. Data stores (not shown by contained by devices), memoriesand, and/or repositories are data storage devices.

In some embodiments, an interface bus facilitates communication from various interface devices (e.g., one or more output devices, one or more peripheral interfaces, and one or more communication devices) to the basic configuration via the bus/interface controller. Some of the one or more output devicesinclude a graphics processing unitand an audio processing unit, which are configured to communicate to various external devices, such as a display or speakers, via one or more A/V ports.

The one or more peripheral interfacesmay include a serial interface controlleror a parallel interface controller, which are configured to communicate with external devices, such as input devices (e.g., a keyboard, a mouse, a pen, a voice input device, or a touch input device, etc.) or other peripheral devices (e.g., a printer or a scanner, etc.) via one or more I/O ports.

Further, the one or more communication devicesmay include a network controller, which is arranged to facilitate communication with one or more other computing devicesover a network,communication link via one or more communication ports. The one or more other computing devicesinclude servers, the database, mobile devices, and comparable devices.

The network communication link is an example of a communication media. The communication media are typically embodied by the computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal, such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism, and include any information delivery media. A “modulated data signal” is a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, the communication media may include wired media (such as a wired network or direct-wired connection) and wireless media (such as acoustic, radio frequency (RF), microwave, infrared (IR), and other wireless media). The term “computer-readable media,” as used herein, includes both storage media and communication media.

It should be appreciated that the system memory, the one or more removable storage devices, and the one or more non-removable storage devicesare examples of the computer-readable storage media. The computer-readable storage media is a tangible device that can retain and store instructions (e.g., program code) for use by an instruction execution device (e.g., the computing device). Any such, computer storage media is part of the computing device.

The computer readable storage media/medium can be a tangible device that can retain and store instructions for use by an instruction execution device. The computer readable storage media/medium may be, for example, but is not limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, and/or a semiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of the computer readable storage media/medium includes the following: a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a memory stick, a floppy disk, and/or a mechanically encoded device (such as punch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructions recorded thereon), and any suitable combination of the foregoing. A computer readable storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construed as being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freely propagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagating through a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulses passing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmitted through a wire.

The computer-readable instructions are provided to the processorof a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus (e.g., the computing device) to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processorof the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified in the block diagram blocks. These computer-readable instructions are also stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and/or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the computer-readable storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises an article of manufacture including instructions, which implement aspects of the functions/acts specified in the block diagram blocks.

The computer-readable instructions (e.g., the program code) are also loaded onto a computer (e.g. the computing device), another programmable data processing apparatus, or another device to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, the other programmable apparatus, or the other device to produce a computer implemented process, such that the instructions, which execute on the computer, the other programmable apparatus, or the other device, implement the functions/acts specified in the block diagram blocks.

Computer readable program instructions described herein can also be downloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computer readable storage medium or to an external computer or external storage device via a network (e.g., the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network, and/or a wireless network). The network may comprise copper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wireless transmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers, and/or edge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in each computing/processing device receives computer readable program instructions from the network and forwards the computer readable program instructions for storage in a computer readable storage medium within the respective computing/processing device.

Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations of the present invention may be assembler instructions, instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state-setting data, configuration data for integrated circuitry, or either source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Smalltalk, C++, or the like, and procedural programming languages, such as the “C” programming language or similar programming languages. The computer readable program instructions may execute entirely on the user's computer/computing device, partly on the user's computer/computing device, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer/computing device and partly on a remote computer/computing device or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider). In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including, for example, programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or programmable logic arrays (PLA) may execute the computer readable program instructions by utilizing state information of the computer readable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry, to perform aspects of the present invention.