Inflatable Decoration System and Method

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/213,140, filed Jun. 22, 2023, and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/359,012, filed Jul. 7, 2022, under 35 U.S.C. 119, both of which are incorporated by reference herein.

The present invention relates to inflatable decorations.

Inflatable holiday yard decorations include an inflatable member in the shape of snowman, ghost, etc., a fan, and an interior light. In operation, the fan maintains the inflatable member in an inflated condition. When the fan is turned off, the inflatable member deflates. The deflated inflatable member in a front yard is an eyesore to neighbors.

An aspect of the disclosure involves an inflatable decoration system and method where an inflatable decoration deploys from and deflates into a decorative box, eliminating the eyesore aspect of inflatable holiday yard decorations of the past.

Another aspect of the disclosure involves an inflatable decoration system comprising a decorative box; an inflatable decoration deployable out from and deflatable back into the decorative box.

One or more implementations of the above aspect of the disclosure involves one or more of the following: the decorative box includes a lid motor and a retractable lid operably coupled to the lid motor to open the lid to allow the inflatable decoration to deploy from or deflate back into the decorative box, and close the lid after the inflatable decoration deflates into the decorative box; the decorative box includes a fan to inflate the inflatable decoration; one or more lights to illuminate the inflatable decoration; a guide mechanism that guides the inflatable decoration back into the decorative box upon deflation of the inflatable decoration; the guide mechanism that guides the inflatable decoration back into the decorative box upon deflation of the inflatable decoration is configured to retract the inflatable decoration back into the decorative box upon deflation of the inflatable decoration; the guide mechanism that guides the inflatable decoration back into the decorative box upon deflation of the inflatable decoration is configured to guide the inflatable decoration centrally inward back into the decorative box upon deflation of the inflatable decoration; the guide mechanism includes one or more retraction lines, elastic wirings, clastic strings, retractable lanyards, or bungee cords; the guide mechanism includes one or more retraction lines coupled to the inflatable decoration and a reel that reels in and out the one or more retraction lines to reel in and reel out the inflatable decoration; the decorative box includes a base with a central area and the inflatable decoration includes an interior surface and the guide mechanism couples the central area of the base to the interior surface of the inflatable decoration; the decorative box includes a motor and a raiseable and lowerable frame operably coupled to the motor to raise and lower the raiseable and lowerable frame; a scissors mechanism operably coupling the motor and the raiseable and lowerable frame to raise and lower the raiseable and lowerable frame.

A further aspect of the disclosure involves a method of using an inflatable decoration system including a decorative box; an inflatable decoration deployable out from and deflatable back into the decorative box, comprising inflating the inflatable decoration so that the inflatable decoration deploys out from the decorative box; deflating the inflatable decoration so that the inflatable decoration deflates back into the decorative box.

One or more implementations of the above aspect of the disclosure involves one or more of the following: the decorative box includes a lid motor and a retractable lid operably coupled to the lid motor, and the method further comprising operating the lid motor to open the lid to allow the inflatable decoration to deploy from the decorative box; operating the lid motor to close the lid after the inflatable decoration deflates back into the decorative box; the decorative box includes a guide mechanism that guides the inflatable decoration back into the decorative box upon deflation of the inflatable decoration, and the method further comprising guiding the inflatable decoration with the guide mechanism back into the decorative box upon deflation of the inflatable decoration; guiding includes retracting the inflatable decoration with the guide mechanism back into the decorative box upon deflation of the inflatable decoration; guiding includes guiding the inflatable decoration with the guide mechanism centrally inward back into the decorative box upon deflation of the inflatable decoration; the guide mechanism includes one or more retraction lines coupled to the inflatable decoration and a reel that reels in and out the one or more retraction lines to reel in and reel out the inflatable decoration, and guiding includes reeling in the one or more retraction lines to reel in the inflatable decoration back into the decorative box upon deflation of the inflatable decoration; the decorative box includes a motor and a raiseable and lowerable frame operably coupled to the motor to raise and lower the raiseable and lowerable frame, and the method further comprising operating the motor to raise and lower the raiseable and lowerable frame.

A further aspect of the invention involves an inflatable inflatable decoration system comprising a decorative box; an inflatable decoration deployable out from and deflatable back into the decorative box; a retractable mechanism disposed inside the inflatable decoration, the retractable mechanism configured to pull and guide the inflatable decoration back into the decorative box when the inflatable decoration is deflated.

One or more implementations of the above aspect of the disclosure involves one or more of the following: the retractable mechanism includes two or more elastic retraction lines having different spring constants that apply tension with different elastic forces to accelerate the return of all sections of the inflatable decoration to a central, contained position; the decorative box includes a fan to inflate the inflatable decoration; one or more lights to illuminate the inflatable decoration; the retractable mechanism includes one or more retraction lines, elastic wirings, elastic strings, retractable lanyards, or bungee cords; the retractable mechanism includes one or more retraction lines coupled to the inflatable decoration and a reel that reels in and out the one or more retraction lines to reel in and reel out the inflatable decoration; the decorative box includes a base with a central area and the inflatable decoration includes an interior surface and the retractable mechanism couples the central area of the base to the interior surface of the inflatable decoration; the decorative box includes a motor and a raiseable and lowerable frame operably coupled to the motor to raise and lower the raiseable and lowerable frame; a scissors mechanism operably coupling the motor and the raiseable and lowerable frame to raise and lower the raiseable and lowerable frame; a method of using the inflatable decoration system comprising inflating the inflatable decoration so that the inflatable decoration deploys out from the decorative box; deflating the inflatable decoration so that the inflatable decoration deflates back into the decorative box; the decorative box includes a lid motor and a retractable lid operably coupled to the lid motor, and the method further comprising operating the lid motor to open the lid to allow the inflatable decoration to deploy from the decorative box; operating the lid motor to close the lid after the inflatable decoration deflates back into the decorative box; the decorative box includes a retractable mechanism that guides the inflatable decoration back into the decorative box upon deflation of the inflatable decoration, and the method further comprising guiding the inflatable decoration with the retractable mechanism back into the decorative box upon deflation of the inflatable decoration; guiding includes guiding the inflatable decoration with the retractable mechanism centrally inward back into the decorative box upon deflation of the inflatable decoration; and/or the retractable mechanism includes two or more elastic retraction lines having different spring constants that apply tension with different elastic forces to accelerate the return of all sections of the inflatable decoration to a central, contained position, and guiding includes applying tension with different elastic forces with the two or more elastic retraction lines having different spring constants to accelerate the return of all sections of the inflatable decoration to a central, contained position.

With reference to, an embodiment of an inflatable decoration systemwill be described. The inflatable decoration systemincludes an inflatable decorationthat deploys from and collapses within a decorative box (“box”)having a base, rigid sides, and retractable lid. The boxmay be decorated for specific holidays (e.g., Christmas, Halloween). The boxmay be the skeletal structure of a cube (or other rectangular/rectilinear box or curvilinear box). This skeletal structure can be constructed out of a variety of materials, such as metals or plastics. The boxincludes an on/off switch, light(s), and a fan/blowerthat are coupled to a cord/plugfor powering (e.g., via an extension cord and AC outlet) the inflatable decoration system. In an alternative embodiment, the light(s)may be in/on the inflatable decoration.

The inflatable decorationmay also include light(s)that are coupled to a cord/plugfor powering the light(s). A retractable mechanism or guide mechanisminside the inflatable decorationpulls and guides the inflatable decorationback into the boxwhen the inflatable decorationis deflated (i.e., when fanis turned off). The retractable mechanismmay include a retraction line(s)(e.g., elastic wiring/strings/bungee cord that create tension naturally when elongated/stretched) attached to various parts/points of an interior surfaceof the inflatable decorationand also connected to a central areaof the basevia coupling. The tension in the elastic wiring/strings of the retraction line(s)goes away as the string is able to return to its natural state once the air pressure from the fanhas subsided. This automatically draws the string centrally inward and downward toward the couplingin the central areaof the baseof the box.

Alternatively, the retractable mechanismmay be a retractable lanyard or a base/reel motorcoupled to a reel for reeling in/out a retraction linefor retracting/deploying the inflatable decoration. As the wiring/strings of the retraction line(s)retract, they are pulled down towards the center of the baseand in turn ensure the inflatable decorationdeflates in a controlled manner that is centered downwards more than collapsing to any particular side.

The retractable lidmoves/retracts laterally/horizontally in a plane parallel to a plane defined by the baseto uncover/cover a topof the boxwhen the inflatable decorationis inflated/deflated. A lid motor() is coupled to the retractable lidfor uncovering/covering the topof box. When the lid motorcauses the lidto retract laterally, the inflatable decorationis allowed to expand out.

With reference to, in an alternative embodiment of an inflatable decoration system, in which like elements are shown with the same reference numbers as those inand the above description of such elements is incorporated herein, and which only shows the box(without the inflatable decoration), the boxcollapses/lowers with inflation of the inflatable decoration and an expands/rises with deflation of the inflatable decoration. The boxincludes collapsible/flexible material sidesmade from nylon and/or other synthetic material, lower rectangular frame, and an upper rectangular frameoperably coupled by a collapsible/expandable mechanism (e.g., scissors mechanism). The collapsible/expandable scissors mechanismis coupled to a collapsible/expandable scissors mechanism (“C/E”) motor() for lowering/raising the upper rectangular framerelative to the lower rectangular framefor collapsing/lowering the box/sideswith inflation of the inflatable decoration and expanding/rising the box/sideswith deflation of the inflatable decoration.

With reference to, in another embodiment of an inflatable decoration system, in which like elements are shown with the same reference numbers as those inand the above description of such elements is incorporated herein, the inflatable decoration systemincludes side panel/rigid sides, base plate/base, DC blower/fan, long guide rail for lower-profile sleeve bearing carriage, low-profile sleeve bearing carriage, gear rack, gear, compact AC gearmotor/lid motor, spool, DC gearmotor/base motor, spool bracket, spool connector, floor plate, lid, PCB, retraction line(s), light(s), and decoration. The inflatable decoration systemis generally similar to the inflatable decoration systemof, but the compact AC gearmotor/lid motoris operably associated with the gear rackattached to the lidwhereby operation of the AC gearmotor/lid motorimparts motion to the lidso that sleevesof the lidtravel along the long guide railsof lower-profile sleeve bearing carriageto open/close lid. Further, DC gearmotor/base motoris operably coupled to the retraction line(s)via spoolto form retractable mechanism or guide mechanism. The decorationincludes a rectangular basesealed and secured to inner sidesof side panel/rigid sides, and the base plate/baseis received in the floor plate. The DC blower/fanis used to inflated the decoration, and the PCBincludes a controller() to control the inflatable decoration systemas described herein.

With reference to, in a further embodiment of an inflatable decoration system, in which like elements are shown with the same reference numbers as those inand the above description of such elements is incorporated herein, the inflatable decoration systemis collapsible/expandable, and includes side panels/sides, base plate/base, collapsible/expandable scissors mechanism (“C/E”) motor, threaded rod, clamping shaft, gear rack, long guide rail for lower-profile sleeve bearing carriage, low-profile sleeve bearing carriage, low-profile sleeve bearing carriage, traverse, bottom shaft, scissor arm/scissors mechanism, lifting platform/rectangular frame, side panel/sides, lid, gear, AC gearmotor/lid motor, light(s), and PCB. The inflatable decoration systemis generally similar to the inflatable decoration systemofand, similarly, the sidesmay be collapsible/flexible (e.g., made from nylon and/or other synthetic material) like collapsible/flexible material sidesso that they collapse/drop down with the scissor arm/scissors mechanism, creating a low profile while the decorationis inflated. The compact AC gearmotor/lid motoropens/closes the lid, the retractable mechanism or guide mechanismretracts the decoration, and the DC blower/faninflates the decorationin the same manner as that described above with respect to, but the collapsible/expandable scissors mechanism (“C/E”) motoris operatively associated (e.g., via threaded rod, clamping shaft, long guide rail for lower-profile sleeve bearing carriage, low-profile sleeve bearing carriage, traverse, and bottom shaft) with the scissor arm/scissors mechanismto raise/lower the lifting platform/rectangular frameand the collapsible/flexible sides.

illustrates another embodiment of an inflatable decoration system. The inflatable decoration systemmay include one or more like elements to those shown and/or described with respect toand the above description of such elements is incorporated herein. A retractable mechanism or guide mechanisminside the inflatable decorationpulls and guides the inflatable decorationback into the boxwhen the inflatable decorationis deflated (i.e., when fan is turned off). The retractable mechanismincludes one or more clastic retraction lines(e.g., elastic strings, retractable lanyards, or bungee cords) that actively pull the inflatable decorationback toward a centerof the decorative box. In the embodiment shown, the different elastic retraction lineshave at least two different spring constants k. For example, but not by way of limitation, a core line or lower retraction lineincludes a spring constant k1, an upper/head retraction lineincludes a spring constant k2, a right arm retraction lineincludes a spring constant k3, and a left arm retraction lineincludes a spring constant k4, where k1, k2, k3, k4 are all different spring constants. The retraction lines,,,apply tension with different force weights/elastic forces to accelerate the return of all sections of the inflatable decorationto a central, contained position. This is key when retracting varied inflatable shapes back into the decorative box correctly. The different clastic tensions of each of the retraction lines,,,of the retractable mechanismprovide restoring force(s) that both guides and accelerates the inward movement of the inflatable decorationas it deflates. Because the retraction lines,,,are strategically attached to different portions (e.g., head connection portion, right arm connection portion, left arm connection portion) of the inflatable decoration's interior surface, the elastic force evenly distributes and draws the inflatable decorationback to a central axis CA, providing centralized retraction, preventing tangling or uneven folding. The elastic tension(s) create a quicker retraction cycle, reducing the time the inflatable decorationspends in partial collapse (which is often unsightly). This faster return to the decorative boxensures the entire inflatable decorationfolds neatly and efficiently, with the core lineacting as the central “drawstring” that pulls all elements inward.

The retractable mechanismreduces the need for rigid mechanical components (e.g., telescoping poles or complex pivots), which can jam or fail under stress. Making the retractable mechanismof elastic lines or bungee cords makes the retractable mechanismlighter, more flexible, and less prone to damage during operation or storage, enhancing durability. By utilizing clastic forces, the retractable mechanismensures the inflatable decorationalways returns to a neat, centralized position inside the decorative box, improving both appearance, storage, and longevity. The retractable mechanismalso allows for more varied inflatable shapes, as the one or more elastic retraction linescan dynamically adapt to non-uniform collapse patterns. The retractable mechanismactively retracts and centralizes the inflatable decoration, operates faster and more reliably, eliminates mechanical rigidity, and improves long-term performance and user experience.

illustrate an inflatable decoration system similar to that shown in, but without the plurality of elastic retraction lines that have at least two different spring constants, showing the inflatable decoration in a partially retracted/deflated configuration where the inflatable decoration is falling outside of and spilling over the decorative box.

With reference to, electrical componentsof the inflatable decoration system,,,include one or more of controller, on/off switch, light(s), fan, cord/plug, light(s), C/E motor, base motor, and/or lid motor.

The inflatable decoration system,,,will now be described in use. Initially, the decorative boxsits on the ground while turned off and displays as item such as Christmas present, coffin, etc. When the inflatable decoration system,,,is turned on, the inflatable decorationinside expands out of the rigid box. In an exemplary method of use, the inflatable decoration system,,,is manually turned on by switching on the on/off switch. The retractable lidmoves/retracts laterally/horizontally in a plane parallel to a plane defined by the baseto uncover a topof the box. On the decorative boxwith the lifting platform/rectangular framethat raises/lowers, after the lidretracts, the lifting platform/rectangular framelowers, which in the embodiment oflowers the profile of the box sides. The light(s)and the fan/blowerturn on, for example, after 5 seconds. and the inflatable decorationis inflated so that the inflatable decorationextends out of and/or over the boxas long as the inflatable decoration system,,,is on.

Next, the inflatable decoration system,,,is turned off by switching off the on/off switch. The light(s)and the fan/blowerturn off. The retractable mechanismdisposed inside the inflatable decorationguides the object when the fanis turned off. This unique way of guiding the deflating inflatable decoration, allows the inflatable decorationto deflate into an exact location. This ensures that the inflatable decorationwill deflate back into the boxprecisely and not flop or lay over the edges of the box. After a predetermined of time (e.g., 5 minutes after the light(s)and the fan/blowerturn off), the retractable lidautomatically moves/retracts laterally/horizontally in a plane parallel to a plane defined by the baseto cover a topof the box. Alternatively, in the boxwith collapsible sidesof, the sideswill raise and the lidwill close automatically. When the inflatable decorationis deflated and stored away inside the box, the boxlooks like a present or other desirable holiday object in one's yard, instead of looking like an unsightly deflated balloon.

If a timer is used, the timer may, for example, be set to turn on at 5 p.m. and off at 10 p.m. At 5 p.m., the retractable lidmoves/retracts laterally/horizontally in a plane parallel to a plane defined by the baseto uncover a topof the box. The light(s)and the fan/blowerturn on, for example, after 5 seconds, and the inflatable decorationis inflated so that the inflatable decorationextends out of and/or over the box. At 10 p.m., the light(s)and the fan/blowerturn off. After a predetermined of time (e.g., 5 minutes after the light(s)and the fan/blowerturn off), the retractable lidautomatically moves/retracts laterally/horizontally in a plane parallel to a plane defined by the baseto cover a topof the box.

is a block diagram illustrating an example wired or wireless systemthat may be used in connection with various embodiments described herein. For example, but not by way of limitation, the systemmay be used as or in conjunction with the controlleroffor controlling the inflatable decoration system,,,. The systemcan be a conventional personal computer, computer server, personal digital assistant, smart phone, tablet computer, or any other processor enabled device that is capable of wired or wireless data communication. Other computer systems and/or architectures may be also used, as will be clear to those skilled in the art.

The systempreferably includes one or more processors, such as processor. Additional processors may be provided, such as an auxiliary processor to manage input/output, an auxiliary processor to perform floating point mathematical operations, a special-purpose microprocessor having an architecture suitable for fast execution of signal processing algorithms (e.g., digital signal processor), a slave processor subordinate to the main processing system (e.g., back-end processor), an additional microprocessor or controller for dual or multiple processor systems, or a coprocessor. Such auxiliary processors may be discrete processors or may be integrated with the processor.

The processoris preferably connected to a communication bus. The communication busmay include a data channel for facilitating information transfer between storage and other peripheral components of the system. The communication busfurther may provide a set of signals used for communication with the processor, including a data bus, address bus, and control bus (not shown). The communication busmay comprise any standard or non-standard bus architecture such as, for example, bus architectures compliant with industry standard architecture (“ISA”), extended industry standard architecture (“EISA”), Micro Channel Architecture (“MCA”), peripheral component interconnect (“PCI”) local bus, or standards promulgated by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (“IEEE”) including IEEE 488 general-purpose interface bus (“GPIB”), IEEE 696/S-100, and the like.

Systempreferably includes a main memoryand may also include a secondary memory. The main memoryprovides storage of instructions and data for programs executing on the processor. The main memoryis typically semiconductor-based memory such as dynamic random access memory (“DRAM”) and/or static random access memory (“SRAM”). Other semiconductor-based memory types include, for example, synchronous dynamic random access memory (“SDRAM”), Rambus dynamic random access memory (“RDRAM”), ferroelectric random access memory (“FRAM”), and the like, including read only memory (“ROM”).

The secondary memorymay optionally include an internal memoryand/or a removable medium, for example a floppy disk drive, a magnetic tape drive, a compact disc (“CD”) drive, a digital versatile disc (“DVD”) drive, etc. The removable mediumis read from and/or written to in a well-known manner. Removable storage mediummay be, for example, a floppy disk, magnetic tape, CD, DVD, SD card, etc.

The removable storage mediumis a non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon computer executable code (i.e., software) and/or data. The computer software or data stored on the removable storage mediumis read into the systemfor execution by the processor.

In alternative embodiments, secondary memorymay include other similar means for allowing computer programs or other data or instructions to be loaded into the system. Such means may include, for example, an external storage mediumand an interface. Examples of external storage mediummay include an external hard disk drive or an external optical drive, or and external magneto-optical drive.

Other examples of secondary memorymay include semiconductor-based memory such as programmable read-only memory (“PROM”), erasable programmable read-only memory (“EPROM”), electrically erasable read-only memory (“EEPROM”), or flash memory (block oriented memory similar to EEPROM). Also included are any other removable storage mediaand communication interface, which allow software and data to be transferred from an external mediumto the system.

Systemmay also include an input/output (“I/O”) interface. The I/O interfacefacilitates input from and output to external devices. For example the I/O interfacemay receive input from a keyboard or mouse and may provide output to a display. The I/O interfaceis capable of facilitating input from and output to various alternative types of human interface and machine interface devices alike.

Systemmay also include a communication interface. The communication interfaceallows software and data to be transferred between systemand external devices (e.g. printers), networks, or information sources. For example, computer software or executable code may be transferred to systemfrom a network server via communication interface. Examples of communication interfaceinclude a modem, a network interface card (“NIC”), a wireless data card, a communications port, a PCMCIA slot and card, an infrared interface, and an IEEE 1394 fire-wire, just to name a few.

Communication interfacepreferably implements industry promulgated protocol standards, such as Ethernet IEEE 802 standards, Fiber Channel, digital subscriber line (“DSL”), asynchronous digital subscriber line (“ADSL”), frame relay, asynchronous transfer mode (“ATM”), integrated digital services network (“ISDN”), personal communications services (“PCS”), transmission control protocol/Internet protocol (“TCP/IP”), serial line Internet protocol/point to point protocol (“SLIP/PPP”), and so on, but may also implement customized or non-standard interface protocols as well.

Software and data transferred via communication interfaceare generally in the form of electrical communication signals. These signalsare preferably provided to communication interfacevia a communication channel. In one embodiment, the communication channelmay be a wired or wireless network, or any variety of other communication links. Communication channelcarries signalsand can be implemented using a variety of wired or wireless communication means including wire or cable, fiber optics, conventional phone line, cellular phone link, wireless data communication link, radio frequency (“RF”) link, or infrared link, just to name a few.

Computer executable code (i.e., computer programs or software) is stored in the main memoryand/or the secondary memory. Computer programs can also be received via communication interfaceand stored in the main memoryand/or the secondary memory. Such computer programs, when executed, enable the systemto perform the various functions of the present invention as previously described.

In this description, the term “computer readable medium” is used to refer to any non-transitory computer readable storage media used to provide computer executable code (e.g., software and computer programs) to the system. Examples of these media include main memory, secondary memory(including internal memory, removable medium, and external storage medium), and any peripheral device communicatively coupled with communication interface(including a network information server or other network device). These non-transitory computer readable mediums are means for providing executable code, programming instructions, and software to the system.

In an embodiment that is implemented using software, the software may be stored on a computer readable medium and loaded into the systemby way of removable medium, I/O interface, or communication interface. In such an embodiment, the software is loaded into the systemin the form of electrical communication signals. The software, when executed by the processor, preferably causes the processorto perform the inventive features and functions previously described herein.

The systemalso includes optional wireless communication components that facilitate wireless communication over a voice and over a data network (or otherwise described herein). The wireless communication components comprise an antenna system, a radio systemand a baseband system. In the system, radio frequency (“RF”) signals are transmitted and received over the air by the antenna systemunder the management of the radio system.

In one embodiment, the antenna systemmay comprise one or more antennae and one or more multiplexors (not shown) that perform a switching function to provide the antenna systemwith transmit and receive signal paths. In the receive path, received RF signals can be coupled from a multiplexor to a low noise amplifier (not shown) that amplifies the received RF signal and sends the amplified signal to the radio system.

In alternative embodiments, the radio systemmay comprise one or more radios that are configured to communicate over various frequencies. In one embodiment, the radio systemmay combine a demodulator (not shown) and modulator (not shown) in one integrated circuit (“IC”). The demodulator and modulator can also be separate components. In the incoming path, the demodulator strips away the RF carrier signal leaving a baseband receive audio signal, which is sent from the radio systemto the baseband system.

If the received signal contains audio information, then baseband systemdecodes the signal and converts it to an analog signal. Then the signal is amplified and sent to a speaker. The baseband systemalso receives analog audio signals from a microphone. These analog audio signals are converted to digital signals and encoded by the baseband system. The baseband systemalso codes the digital signals for transmission and generates a baseband transmit audio signal that is routed to the modulator portion of the radio system. The modulator mixes the baseband transmit audio signal with an RF carrier signal generating an RF transmit signal that is routed to the antenna system and may pass through a power amplifier (not shown). The power amplifier amplifies the RF transmit signal and routes it to the antenna systemwhere the signal is switched to the antenna port for transmission.

The baseband systemis also communicatively coupled with the processor. The central processing unithas access to data storage areasand. The central processing unitis preferably configured to execute instructions (i.e., computer programs or software) that can be stored in the memoryor the secondary memory. Computer programs can also be received from the baseband processorand stored in the data storage areaor in secondary memory, or executed upon receipt. Such computer programs, when executed, enable the systemto perform the various functions of the present invention as previously described. For example, data storage areasmay include various software modules (not shown) that are executable by processor.

Various embodiments may also be implemented primarily in hardware using, for example, components such as application specific integrated circuits (“ASICs”), or field programmable gate arrays (“FPGAs”). Implementation of a hardware state machine capable of performing the functions described herein will also be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art. Various embodiments may also be implemented using a combination of both hardware and software.

Furthermore, those of skill in the art will appreciate that the various illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, and method steps described in connection with the above described figures and the embodiments disclosed herein can often be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or combinations of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled persons can implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the invention. In addition, the grouping of functions within a module, block, circuit or step is for ease of description. Specific functions or steps can be moved from one module, block or circuit to another without departing from the invention.

Moreover, the various illustrative logical blocks, modules, and methods described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented or performed with a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (“DSP”), an ASIC, FPGA or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor can be any processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor can also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, for example, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.

Additionally, the steps of a method or algorithm described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or in a combination of the two. A software module can reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium including a network storage medium. An exemplary storage medium can be coupled to the processor such the processor can read information from, and write information to, the storage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium can be integral to the processor. The processor and the storage medium can also reside in an ASIC.

The above figures may depict exemplary configurations for the invention, which is done to aid in understanding the features and functionality that can be included in the invention. The invention is not restricted to the illustrated architectures or configurations, but can be implemented using a variety of alternative architectures and configurations. Additionally, although the invention is described above in terms of various exemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be understood that the various features and functionality described in one or more of the individual embodiments with which they are described, but instead can be applied, alone or in some combination, to one or more of the other embodiments of the invention, whether or not such embodiments are described and whether or not such features are presented as being a part of a described embodiment. Thus the breadth and scope of the present invention, especially in the following claims, should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments.

Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposed to limiting. As examples of the foregoing: the term “including” should be read as mean “including, without limitation” or the like; the term “example” is used to provide exemplary instances of the item in discussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof; and adjectives such as “conventional,” “traditional,” “standard,” “known” and terms of similar meaning should not be construed as limiting the item described to a given time period or to an item available as of a given time, but instead should be read to encompass conventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologies that may be available or known now or at any time in the future. Likewise, a group of items linked with the conjunction “and” should not be read as requiring that each and every one of those items be present in the grouping, but rather should be read as “and/or” unless expressly stated otherwise. Similarly, a group of items linked with the conjunction “or” should not be read as requiring mutual exclusivity among that group, but rather should also be read as “and/or” unless expressly stated otherwise. Furthermore, although item, elements or components of the disclosure may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural is contemplated to be within the scope thereof unless limitation to the singular is explicitly stated. The presence of broadening words and phrases such as “one or more,” “at least,” “but not limited to” or other like phrases in some instances shall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or required in instances where such broadening phrases may be absent.