FIELD

The present invention relates to a system and computing device for monitoring the operational condition of an escalator, in particular the condition of the escalator wheel(s).

BACKGROUND

Many urban environments rely on escalators to convey people between floors in buildings, transit facilities and shopping centres and serve as vital transportation arteries. However, escalators are potentially dangerous, large scale equipment capable of causing serious or fatal injury if not appropriately installed and maintained. Preventive maintenance typically relies upon off-line visual inspection; scheduled at times of low usage to minimise detrimental impact on pedestrian traffic. Such inspection schedules are typically determined by Mean-Time-Between-Failure parameters of key component parts such as step wheels and step chain wheels and often rely on a mere visual inspection of these for signs of wear.

In alternate systems, vibration sensors have been used to indirectly monitor the condition of the steps by monitoring the vibration of the running tracks of the step wheels or step chain wheels. However, such arrangements typically have a single vibration sensor mounted at only one position on the running track, which can lead to erroneous readings and difficulty in identification of the specific defective wheel of the specific step of the escalator which may be due for replacement. Having a single point of measurement on the running track may also result in errors in detection due to external variables which affect the operation of the single location sensor, including the presence or absence of a person on the step.

It is an objective of the present invention to provide an alternative which addresses or at least ameliorates at least some of the above deficiencies of these systems.

SUMMARY

Features and advantages of the disclosure will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or can be learned by practice of the herein disclosed principles. The features and advantages of the disclosure can be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system comprising: an escalator including a plurality of steps and a chain for moving the steps, each step including at least one wheel; a plurality of vibration sensors, each of said plurality of vibration sensors being attached to a different step of the escalator for detection of vibration data thereof, the vibration sensors being communicatively coupled to at least one or more wireless transmitters for transmission of vibration data to a wireless receiver ; a computing device which is configured to: receive vibration data for each step on which a vibration sensor is located; determine, based on the vibration data, a parameter for each said step on which a vibration sensor is located, the parameter indicating a level of wear of the at least one wheel of said step; and generate an alert in relation to a step in response to the parameter exceeding a threshold.

Each step may have a plurality of wheels and the parameter for each step may indicate a level of wear of the plurality of wheels for said step. It may be that wear of one of the plurality of wheels causes the parameter to exceed the threshold, or it may be that wear of several of the plurality of wheels causes the parameter to exceed the threshold. In one example, the alert indicates that at least one wheel of the plurality of wheels is worn, but may not specify which wheel. A repair worker may determine which step has at least one worn wheel from the alert and then examine that step to determine which wheel or wheels need replacing.

The wheels may include step wheels and/or chain wheels. A step wheel is a wheel connected directly to the step, while a chain wheel is a wheel on an axle joining the step to a chain. A chain wheel may also be referred to as a “step chain wheel”.

Optionally, every step of the escalator may have a respective vibration sensor and wherein the computing device is configured to determine the parameter for each step of the escalator.

The threshold may be a threshold at which the at least one wheel of the step is worn out and the alert is an alert indicating that the at least one wheel should be replaced.

Advantageously, the at least one wheel of the step is predicted to require replacement within a predetermined period of time and the alert is an alert indicating that the at least one wheel should be replaced within the predetermined period of time.

The remote computing device may be configured to generate an alert indicating that the at least one wheel should be scheduled for replacement in response to the parameter passing a (first) threshold which predicts that the at least one wheel of the will require replacement within a predetermined period of time and to generate an alert indicating that the at least one wheel is worn out and should be replaced in response to the parameter passing a second threshold at which the at least one wheel of the step is worn out. Each vibration sensor may include a wireless transmitter and the escalator may include a wireless receiver which is configured to receive the vibration data from the wireless transmitters of the plurality of vibration sensors and to send the vibration data to the computing device via a wireless or wired communication link. The wireless transmitters and the wireless receiver may be radio frequency identification (RFID) devices.

The vibration sensors may be configured to have a plurality of active and non-active periods, wherein in the active periods the vibration sensors collect vibration data and transmit the vibration data to the wireless receiver and in the non-active periods the vibration sensors enter a reduced power mode.

Optionally, the duration of the active periods may be equal to or greater than a full running cycle of a step around the escalator. The running cycle of a step around the escalator may be referred to as the “step running cycle”. The threshold may be based on reference vibration data of a step with a worn out wheel.

The computing device may be configured to determine a speed of the escalator and determines said threshold referable at least in part to the speed of the escalator. The computing device may be configured to determine a time taken for a step to complete a cycle around the escalator based on the vibration data and determine a speed of the escalator based on said determined time to complete the cycle.

The vibration data for each step may include vibration data in three dimensions. The vibration may be measured relative to the step surface.

The computing device may be configured to determine the parameter based on vibration data collected while the step is on a passenger side of the escalator and disregarding vibration data collected while the step is on a non-passenger side of the escalator.

The computing device may be configured to determine whether vibration data was collected while the step was on a passenger side of the escalator based on a y-axis component of the vibration data.

The vibration data may comprise a plurality of measurements of acceleration of the step taken at different points in time as the step moves around the passenger side and non-passenger side of the escalator.

Determining the parameter may comprise converting a set of measurements of acceleration of the step to a set of differential values, each differential value being a difference between the acceleration measurement taken at that point in time and the average of the acceleration measurements for the step taken when the step is on a passenger side of the escalator. Determining the parameter may comprise summing the differential values and dividing by time.

The computing device may be configured to predict a remaining life of the at least one wheel of a step based on an average vibration of the step while the step is on the passenger side of the escalator and based on a predetermined life time vibration profile for the step.

In a further aspect there is provided an escalator step comprising a platform having a passenger side, at least one wheel for engagement with a running track of the escalator and a vibration sensor mounted to the step, the vibration sensor being configured generate vibration data relating to vibration of the step, the vibration sensor comprising a wireless transmitter to transmit the vibration data.

Optionally, the vibration sensor may be configured to sense acceleration of the step along three axes and generate vibration data relating to the sensed acceleration along three axes.

The vibration sensor may be configured to have active periods and non-active periods and to collect vibration data during active periods and switch to a low power mode in which vibration data is not collected during non-active periods.

The vibration sensor may include a radio frequency identification device (RFID).

In a further aspect there is provided a computing device comprising: a receiver to receive vibration data of a plurality of escalator steps; a processor to determine, based on the vibration data, a parameter for each of said steps, the parameter being indicative of a level of wear of the escalator wheel(s) of that step; and generate an alert in relation to a step in response to the parameter exceeding a predetermined threshold.

The computing device may be configured to predict a remaining life of the at least one wheel of each step, based on the vibration data relating to said step and based on reference vibration data of a step with a worn out wheel.

Optionally the reference vibration data for the step may be determined by recording the life time vibration profile of an exemplary step of an escalator.

The vibration data may include vibration data in three dimensions.

The parameter may be compared to historical data or to a worn out value.

Optionally, the ratio of vibration average to worn out value is compared to at least one threshold value. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and features of the disclosure can be obtained, a more particular description of the principles briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only exemplary embodiments of the disclosure and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the principles herein are described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be explained in further detail below by way of examples and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-

FIG 1A depicts a perspective view of an exemplary step of a typical escalator.

FIG 1B depicts an underplan perspective view of the step of Fig 1A of a typical escalator.

FIG 1C depict a pair of steps according to Fig 1A in a partial assembly of an exemplary escalator.

Fig. 1D is a front view of one of the steps of Fig. 1C.

FIG 1E depicts an exemplary view of a damaged wheel of the exemplary step shown in Fig 1A.

FIG 2A depicts an exemplary schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the system of the present disclosure

FIG 2B depicts an exemplary alternate schematic view of an embodiment of the system of the present disclosure.

FIG 3A depicts an exemplary under plan view of the step of Fig 1 B showing potential locations of a vibration sensor according to the present disclosure.

FIG 3B depicts an exemplary schematic view of the orthogonal axes of an exemplary step for which vibration may be monitored.

FIG 4A is a flowchart of an exemplary manner of operation of an aspect of the present disclosure in accordance with the principles described herein.

FIG 4B shows exemplary vibration profiles for three axial components of vibration for a step.

FIG 5A is a flowchart of a further exemplary manner of operation of an aspect of the present disclosure in accordance with the principles described herein.

FIG 5B depicts a typical lifetime profile for a wheel relative to a determined parameter.

FIG 6A is a flowchart of activating and deactivating the monitoring of vibration in a plurality of escalator steps according to an aspect of the present disclosure. FIG 6B depicts exemplary active periods and inactive periods in a monitoring cycle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Various embodiments of the disclosure are discussed in detail below. While specific implementations are discussed, it should be understood that this is done for illustrative purposes only. A person skilled in the relevant art will recognize that other components and configurations may be used without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

The disclosed technology addresses the need in the art for a monitoring system and detection method for monitoring the condition of the steps of an escalator.

The above embodiments are described by way of example only. Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Referring to Figures 1A- 1C there is depicted an exemplary step of an escalator 110. The tread 112 supports passengers there upon, and the tread is itself supported by step wheels 114a, 114b on either side of the front part of the step; and by step chain wheels at rear step chain pins/axles 116a, 116b on either side of the step. A riser 118 forms the upright part of the step.

Referring to Figure 1 D the tracks 131a and 131b support the step wheels 114a, 114b; and the tracks 132a and 132b support the step chain wheels 116 on either side of the step in engagement with the steps of the escalator 110.

Referring now to Figures 2A and 2B there is depicted an exemplary schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the system of the present disclosure. The escalator 100 has a multiple steps 110 which are supported on tracks 131 and 132 on a guide truss 130 which extends between the upper landing 140 and lower landing 150. The step chains 134a, 134b engaged with the step chain wheels 116 move on the tracks 132a, 132 in a continuous loop. The steps have a passenger facing side “A” for carrying a passenger between the respective upper and lower landings; and a non-passenger facing side “B” on the underside of the truss on the return journey between the respective upper and lower landings.

A balustrade (commonly glass or stainless steel) 115A and handrail 115B also extends between the upper landing 140 and lower landing 150 to provide support and contain the users as they ascend or descend on the escalator.

The upper escalator pit 142 is located at the top of the escalator under the upper landing 140 and typically houses the drive unit 144 for driving the step chain via one or more sprockets 146. A lower escalator pit 152 is located under the lower landing 150 and houses a sprocket 154 about which each endless loop escalator step chain rotates for a return journey. It would be appreciated the escalator steps 110 are arranged adjacent each other on the passenger side to provide a staggered series of steps of a common height which span between the upper and lower landing. These escalator steps move along the tracks to move the passenger between the upper and lower landings as is known to persons skilled in the art.

The location of the drive unit and turning sprocket in the upper and lower landings respectively may be configured according to the design of the escalator supplier as is known in the art.

In the present disclosure, vibration sensors 160 are affixed to a plurality of the steps 110 of the escalator as is depicted in more detail in Fig 3A, 3B later in the disclosure. In an aspect of the disclosure these vibration sensors may be affixed to each of the steps to assist in preventive maintenance scheduling/monitoring of the escalator condition.

The vibration sensors 160 are configured to communicate with a receiver 170 (optionally via Radio Frequency transmission (RF) or other similar wireless communication protocols) which may, for example, be located in the lower landing pit 152. In other examples the receiver 170 may be located in the upper landing pit 142 or elsewhere. The sensors may be configured to communicate using RFID to minimise battery drain.

Optionally the receiver 170 may then be configured to store the received information from the vibration sensors for a predetermined time interval, and then communicate with a remote modem over a communications network (which may be wired or wireless) 206. The modem is attached to a monitoring computer 200 which can interpret the vibration data received as is discussed in more detail in due course.

The receiver 170 may be located within the area escalator 100 in order to minimise interference with wireless signals from the vibration sensors. For example, the receiver may be provided in a fixed location beneath the escalator steps, for instance in the upper landing pit, or lower landing pit as shown in Fig. 2A or another chamber below the steps. In this way wireless signals do not have to travel through the escalator steps to reach the receiver 170. Further electromagnetic radiation from mobile phones or other devices carried by the escalator passengers may be reduced or avoided as the escalator steps may act to shield such radiation to a certain extent. By providing the receiver 170 within the escalator, the communication distance between the receiver and the vibration sensors may be kept relatively short so that the risk of data loss in the wireless transmission is reduced and the power consumption of the vibration sensors may be reduced, compared to if the receiver was outside the escalator or positioned a long distance away, such as in a separate control room. In this way the vibration sensors may operate on battery power for a longer period of time without battery replacement. This arrangement is also well suited to RFID which uses relatively low power and transmits over short distances. The receiver 170 may have a separate communication link to the computer 200, such as over a wired or wireless network or direct wired connection. In some examples the communication between the vibration sensors and the receiver may use a first communication protocol, such as RFID, while the communication between the receiver and the computer may use a second communication protocol such as Ethernet, wifi or a cellular communications protocol.

In other examples (not shown in the diagrams), the vibration sensors of the escalator may communicate directly with a receiver outside of the escalator. For example, the vibration sensors may send wireless signals directly to a wireless receiver outside of the escalator, such as a wireless router 206 or a wireless communication device integrated into or proximate the computer 200. However, this approach consumes more power and may be more susceptible to electromagnetic interference and data loss.

As depicted in more details in Figure 2B, the computer comprises a processor 202 which accesses a memory 204 including a storage medium 206. The storage medium comprises instructions which configure the processor to receiver vibration data from vibration sensors 110A- D which are attached to steps of an escalator 100, from an RF transmitter 170 at a communication device (such as a modem) 206 . Various parameters may be determined from the received data at step 220 and if these parameters exceed specified thresholds (discussed in more detail later in the disclosure) an alert may be generated at step 230.

Referring to Figure 3A, there is a depicted an exemplary step of the escalator to which vibration sensors 160A, 160B have been attached at the side or base respectively depending on the design of the steps by different escalator suppliers. As is known in the art, these vibration sensors capture vibration measurements at a frequency of 10 HZ. Such sensors may be powered by local batteries of the like which may be rechargeable during the movement of the steps; and configured to obtain measurements when operative at a measuring frequency of approximately 10 Hz.

Referring to Figure 3B, advantageously vibration may be detected in three orthogonal axes and measured separately in each of these axes by each sensor.

In a further aspect of the present disclosure, the vibration readings received from the plurality of vibration sensors may be assessed using an algorithm to optimise detection and identification of the requirement for preventive maintenance.

Referring to Figure 4A, the computer 200 may be configured to receive the vibration data from each on which a vibration sensor is located at step 310; determine based upon the vibration data a parameter for each step which indicates the level of wear of an escalator wheel of the step at step 320 and generate an alert if the parameter exceeds a threshold at step 330. This is discussed in more detail below. It would be appreciated that these vibration readings pertain to a measurement in one or more axes of vibration of the acceleration of the step, at various points in time/position as it circulates on the step chain loop between the upper and lower landings. As is discussed above with reference to Fig 2A, there are certain points where the steps are oriented to support passengers (when traversing the passenger facing side) and when the steps are oriented differently on the return journey underneath the escalator surface (non-passenger facing side).

Referring to Figure 4B, advantageously, the non-passenger facing side measurements may be filtered out using the direction of vibration in the Y axes as a determining factor - noting the reversal in vibration at “A” as indicating the step has begun to move along the passenger facing side before again reversing at “B” indicating that it is returning on the non-passenger facing side.

For each step, during the time which it is on the passenger facing side, the average acceleration values may then be determined. The measurements received when the step is on the non passenger facing side (i.e. and unloaded position may be ignored).

Once the average for that step has been determined, the delta values (difference relative to the average) for each measurement of the step in the various axes can be determined and depicted graphically throughout the movement of the step on the escalator.

It would be appreciated that the magnitude of the delta values may be in themselves indicative of the relative wear of the wheel, or further analysis may also be conducted.

In an exemplary type of analysis which can be used for predictive wear, the delta values for each step may then be summated in each of the X, Y, Z directions to get a total vibration. In other examples the total vibration may be based on the sum of the delta values for one of the X, Y, Z directions only, or for the sum of the delta values in two directions only.

The total vibration for a specific escalator step may then be determined by dividing the total vibration detected by the time that escalator step is present on the passenger side.

Expressed mathematically, the above can be specified as:

Let X _r be the measured value of the X component of gravity of the r ^th measurement.

Let n is the number of measurements taken when a step is on the passenger side.

Let X _a be the average value of the n measured values.

Then, X _a = (Σ X _r) /n where r = 1,...,n.

Delta Value of the X component of gravity of the r ^th measurement, Delta X _r, is defined as the difference between the value measured at the r ^th measurement and the average value over the measuring period.

Hence, Delta X _r = X _r - X _a where r = 1,...,n.

Similarly, same approach may be applied to the determination of Y and Z components of the vibration, filtering out the vibration "spikes" which may be caused when a passenger steps on the step.

Total Vibration of an escalator step, V(xyz) _Sum , may be defined as the sum of the total absolute Delta Value of gravity of all 3 components when a step is on the passenger side.

Hence, V(xyz) _sum = Σ|Delta x|+ Σ|Delta Y|+ ΣIDelta zI . (I) ⁱ

Alternatively, the Total Vibration of the escalator step may be defined as the sum of the total absolute Delta value of one of the 3 components (e.g. V(x) _Sum if the x component is chosen, V(y) _sum for y component, V(z) _Sum for z component), or two of the three components (e.g. V (xy) _Sum = Σ |Delta X |+ Σ |Delta Y |+ if the x and y components are chosen).

Average Vibration, V _av , is defined as the Total Vibration of an escalator step, V _SUm which represents either V (xyz) _SUm, V(x) _Sum , V(y)s _um, V (z)s _um , V(xy) _Sum , V(xz) _Sum or V (yz)s _um divided by the total time that an escalator step is on the passenger side, t.

Then Vav = V _SUm / t

. (2)

Then, an average vibration of a specific step of the plurality of steps in the escalator may be compared to a worn-out average (worn-out average of a specific step will depend on speed of that step when the measurement is obtained)

Therefore : Multiply by factor (WOI) to get Step Vibration Index =

V _av /V _wo * WOI

Worn-Out Vibration, V _wo , is an Average Vibration and defined as the Average Vibration (in one, two or three dimensions as noted above) of a step equipped with a substantially worn out step wheel / step chain wheel measured at a predetermined escalator operation speed (e.g. 0.75m/s). Thus the value of V _Wo is determined based on actual escalator operation condition.

Worn-Out Index, WOI, is a number and indicates that a step wheel / step chain wheel has substantially worn out and needs replacement. The WOI will vary with the operation speed of an escalator and it is defined as 100 for an escalator speed of 0.75 m/s.

A Step Vibration Index, SVI, is a number which indicates the degree of vibration of a step (in one, two or three dimensions, depending on the way in which V _av is calculated). It is defined as follows:

SVI = (Vav / Vwo) X WOI

.

Referring to Fig 5A, 5B, this SVI can then be utilised in predictive maintenance as follows.

A Threshold Index (THI) is an index to indicate the threshold condition of the step wheel / step chain wheel. It is the SVI which is predicted to increase to WOI in a predetermined time period (such as 30 days) based on the past SVI values of the step. It would be appreciated that the wheels supplied by different suppliers will have a different THI value for steps in particular escalator conditions.

It can be seen that in the example of Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B there are two thresholds for the Step Vibration Index (SVI). The Threshold Index (THI) is a first threshold which predicts that a step wheel / step chain wheel of the step will require replacement within a predetermined period of time, while the Worn-Out Index (WOI) is a second threshold at which the step wheel / step chain wheel of the step is worn out.

Where the vibration parameter exceeds THI for a particular step (e.g. 520); then an alert may be triggered indicating that a step wheel / step chain wheel of the step should be replaced in a predetermined time period, in this case 30 days (520a). Such alerts may be communicated to the appropriate personnel for action according to site specific procedures. For example this may enable a step wheel /step chain wheel to be replaced ahead of time before it is worn out.

Where the vibration parameter which is determined for a particular step exceeds a WOI threshold value for that step (e.g. 530); an alert may be generated indicating that the step wheel / step chain wheel should be replaced immediately 530a). For example this may prompt replacement of a step wheel / step chain wheel that has worn out and which is impacting the performance of, or posing a safety risk to, operation of the escalator.

Figure 5B illustrates the relationship between Step Vibration Index (SVI) and the lifetime of a step wheel / step chain wheel. As depicted, the calculation of the SVI enables evaluation of wheel condition for each step to which the sensor is fitted; and potentially all steps of an escalator if all steps have a sensor fitted thereto. Specifically, by calculating the SVI of a step, the step wheel condition can be evaluated as follows:

• When SVI of a step < THI, the step wheels / step chain wheels are normal.

• When SVI of a step ³ THI but < WOI, the step wheel / step chain wheel should be planned for replacement; and

• When SVI of a step ³ WOI, the step wheel / step chain wheel is substantially worn out and needs immediate replacement.

Advantageously, the SVI for a specific step of a manufacturer may be used to compare steps across manufacturers - the lower the quality the step wheels / step chain wheels, the steeper and faster the rate of increase in the SVI. In this way the SVI for a particular step with a particular combination of components can be assessed against reference data for that combination of components which may be specific to individual sites, depending on supply and configuration.

Referring to Figs 6A, 6B advantageously the vibration sensors may be configured to collect data for a predetermined time period 600 (t1 ,t2,t3 etc.) which is sufficient to capture a full traversal of the loop between the upper and lower landings (this may be for example, 2 minutes, but adjustable according to the escalator running speed and vertical rise).

As depicted in Figure 6A, the active period may start 620 either arbitrarily or at a certain predetermined vibration. Next the sensor may switch on at step 622, record vibration data for a period of time at step 624, transmit vibration data at a predetermined time interval in step 626. To conserver power, at step 628 the sensor enters a low power mode (or return to an active state) before powering off at step 630 and then finishing the active recording period 632. It would be appreciate that the sensor can then return to the start again at 633.

Further, as the sensors 160 to maximise battery life they may be configured to activate and record vibration at a predetermined time interval 610 (610a, 610b, 610c etc. for example every 2 hours) as depicted in Figure 6B. The “sleep period” may be the same or variable depending on the time of day, period of operation usage pattern of the escalator etc.

It would be appreciated that the system of the present disclosure provides an accurate, objective index for maintenance planning and monitoring of escalator wheel step behaviour. Using small vibration sensors which are affixed to each or many steps of the escalator allows individual performance of the components of that step to be monitored; and either scheduled for replacement or immediately replaced when a mechanical wear issue or other problem is indicated through detection of excessive vibration. It would be appreciated that the alerts may be despatched from the computer system to appropriate maintenance personnel automatically or processed for manual scheduling. Different vibration indexes may also be applied to monitor the conditions of the steps, supporting track system and the driving system when the steps are moving on the passenger-side and the non-passenger-side of the escalator. Step misalignment causing object jamming or passenger trapping, track misalignment causing damages of step wheels / step chain wheels and abnormality of driving system may be automatically identified with appropriate alerts being despatched from the computer system.

For clarity of explanation, in some instances the present technology may be presented as including individual functional blocks including functional blocks comprising devices, device components, steps or routines in a method embodied in software, or combinations of hardware and software.

Methods according to the above-described examples can be implemented using computer- executable instructions that are stored or otherwise available from computer readable media. Such instructions can comprise, for example, instructions and data which cause or otherwise configure a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing device to perform a certain function or group of functions. Portions of computer resources used can be accessible over a network. The computer executable instructions may be, for example, binaries, intermediate format instructions such as assembly language, firmware, or source code. Examples of computer-readable media that may be used to store instructions, information used, and/or information created during methods according to described examples include magnetic or optical disks, flash memory, Universal Serial Bus (USB) devices provided with non-volatile memory, networked storage devices, and so on.

Devices implementing methods according to these disclosures can comprise hardware, firmware and/or software, and can take any of a variety of form factors. Typical examples of such form factors include laptops, smart phones, small form factor personal computers, personal digital assistants, and so on. Functionality described herein also can be embodied in peripherals or addin cards. Such functionality can also be implemented on a circuit board among different chips or different processes executing in a single device, by way of further example.

The instructions, media for conveying such instructions, computing resources for executing them, and other structures for supporting such computing resources are means for providing the functions described in these disclosures.

Although a variety of examples and other information was used to explain aspects within the scope of the appended claims, no limitation of the claims should be implied based on particular features or arrangements in such examples, as one of ordinary skill would be able to use these examples to derive a wide variety of implementations. Further and although some subject matter may have been described in language specific to examples of structural features and/or method steps, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to these described features or acts. For example, such functionality can be distributed differently or performed in components other than those identified herein. Rather, the described features and steps are disclosed as examples of components of systems and methods within the scope of the appended claims.