Customized, additive-manufactured outerwear and methods for manufacturing thereof

[0001] Provided herein is customized outerwear created using additive manufacturing, and more specifically additively-manufactured outerwear customized for a particular user through the use of materials, patterns and shapes.

[0002] In the shoe industry, a typical shoe is designed for the mass consumer and provides little or no customization. A consumer may spend years purchasing different brands or styles of shoes in search of the best fit. Even if a consumer finds one brand that fits comfortably for a particular style (such as a dress shoe), that brand may not provide a similar fitting shoe in a different style (such as a sneaker). Thus, consumers must go through continuous trial and error to find shoes which are comfortable and appeal to their personal style. This process is often unsuccessful, with consumers sacrificing style for comfort, or vice-versa.

[0003] For those who are interested in customization, a bespoke cobbler can build a customized shoe around a last of the customer's feet. However, this process may cost in excess of $1000 and take several months. For consumers with medical or physical issues, such as physical disabilities or deformities, customized shoes, or other accessories must be obtained from a health care provider or medical device manufacturer—often at great cost—and even then the shoe is only designed to generally alleviate a disability without being customized for the particular user.

[0004] Three-dimensional (“3D”) printing, also known as additive manufacturing, may provide a solution to the difficulties of customizing footwear. The cost of 3D printing is significantly less than the traditional manufacturing process and can also be completed in very little time. However, the current 3D printing technologies use materials which are not comfortable, durable or stylish. More importantly, 3D printing has no adequate mechanism for creating a shoe based on a specific user's foot.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for footwear and even general outerwear which can be designed and customized for an individual consumer.

[0006] Embodiments described herein provide for customized outerwear created through additive manufacturing to provide for a plurality of materials, patterns and shapes that are customized for a particular user. The outerwear is designed through the use of a three-dimensional (“3D”) model of a body part, such as an additively-manufactured shoe for a foot. The 3D model is analyzed to provide detailed information on the anatomical features of the body part, which aids in the selection of specific materials, patterns of materials and shapes that are integrated into the design of the customized outerwear. The design is then loaded into an additive manufacturing machine, such as a 3D printer, for inexpensive and rapid manufacturing.

[0007] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art after reviewing the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

[0028] Embodiments described herein provide for systems and methods of creating a three-dimensional (“3D”) model of a body part, such as a foot, and using the 3D model to develop a customized, additive-manufactured shoe. A user may capture images of the foot, which are then transformed into a point cloud map to create a 3D model of the user's foot. The 3D model may be analyzed, along with information on the user's movement, activities and physical history, to determine the properties and features for a customized shoe that is designed specifically for the user's foot. The customized shoe is then designed for additive manufacturing through the use of specific materials, patterns, shapes to provide a customized shoe which is perfectly fit to the user's foot. The customized shoe may also be designed with different exterior styles and integrated with one or more sensors or other electronics to capture user data, provide unique therapeutic or medical treatments, and intelligently predict health or growth issues. The same principles may be applied to other types of outerwear, such as headwear, clothing, gloves, etc.

[0029] The ability to generate a 3D model of a body part such as a foot from a few images provides a simple and effective method to obtain a 3D-printed shoe which is perfectly customized to a user's foot. In addition to the overall 3D shape of the shoe matching the shape of the 3D model of the foot, the shoe itself may be manufactured from specific materials, specific patterns and shapes that provide comfort, durability, flexibility and dynamic responses to their environment.

[0030] Although the embodiments described herein below refer to a foot and a shoe configured for the foot, the same principles can apply to any garment, fashion accessory or item of clothing/outerwear that can be form fitted from a 3D representation of the item to be covered. Examples include, but are not limited to, e.g. gloves, shoes, sport shoes, ski boots, motorcycle helmets, cycling helmets, eye glasses, sun glasses, shirts, trousers, shorts, skirts, dresses, jackets, suits, coats, etc.

[0031] In one embodiment, in order to create a three-dimensional (“3D”) model of a body part, images are captured of the body part from a few different angles, as illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1C. The images may be obtained using an image capture device such as a digital camera, or a mobile device with an integrated image sensor, such as a smartphone, tablet, etc. Additionally, webcams, KINECT sensors, game consoles and even scanners may be used. The images may be and/or include still images, video images, and/or other images (e.g., a collection of images gathered at 30 frames/second (this frame rate is not intended to be limiting) may be parsed into separate strings of images).

[0032] These images are stitched together using algorithms that create a 3D representation of each foot from the images. This generates a point cloud map from the image data.

[0033] Next, to generate a 3D model, or 3D foot last, from the point cloud data, the point cloud image is taken and snapped into a dynamic shaping algorithm that matches foot dimensions. Point cloud approximations of the appendages are generated and provide 3D foot last that represents the original dimensions of each foot. This data can be imported into 3D CAD packages for manipulation. Point cloud data points are superimposed on a pre-existing digital foot model and dynamic adjustments are made to create an individual custom digital last. An illustration of one embodiment of the 3D model is shown in FIG. 2.

[0034] In addition to determining the shape of the foot, additional measurements may be taken to determine the pressure points on the foot, as shown in the pressure maps in FIGS. 3A and 3B. The areas of the foot which experience greater pressure are shown in lighter shading on the foot, while areas with less pressure are shown in red. The maps indicate where each user's feet exert pressure, which is helpful when designing a custom shoe, as the shoe can be configured to relieve pressure on the greatest pressure points. The pressure maps are generated based on the unique shape of each foot being mapped as applied to sets of rules for where pressure is applied on various parts of the foot.

[0035] Once the 3D model has been generated, a custom fit shoe is then generated by snapping a pre-designed external shell to the point cloud data generated from the 3D model of each foot. Then, form and function fitting slicing algorithms are applied that adjust the model to provide user known biomechanics and custom preferences for fitness. These biomechanics may be entered manually by the user or obtained through collection of movement data from wearable devices.

[0036] In one embodiment, a shoe is designed in at least 3 components that can be manufactured from a FDM printer in “flat” pieces and assembled together. Each component must be designed to a ‘standard foot shape.’ The design must be grouped so that the re-sizing can be done together, as well as separate files to allow for the specific sizing needed on each component and for manufacturing in different materials.

[0037] FIG. 4 illustrates a general concept of three shoe components required for one embodiment of a 3D printed shoe, including the shoe upper (1), insole/midsole (2) and outsole (3). These specific components are further defined immediately below.

[0038] Shoe Upper—the design and visual element of the shoe. This will be a parametric design and determined in combination from the user design and foot measurements/requirements. This is connected to the midsole of the shoe through an interlocking tab design.

[0039] Midsole—the internal component of the shoe. A base ‘foot midsole block’ is required that will then be modified to fit the user based on their calculated foot measurements and footwear functional requirements. This is a proprietary algorithm. The midsole will be connected to both the Shoe Upper and the Outsole.

[0040] Outsole—the base of the shoe. It will require the Feetz logo, a tread pattern, and an interlocking tab holes to connect to the Midsole component.

[0041] The completed 3D generated model must then be prepared for 3D printing. This is done by “slicing” the model into many layers, and is achieved through the creation of a comfort algorithm of form and function. Slicing can be achieved by any of the following methods, although these should not be considered limiting:

[0042] A. Basic approach—driven off commercial slicer models, e.g. rectilinear, concentric circles, triangles etc. All layers are treated the same throughout the entire 3D model.

[0043] B. Semi-custom approach—use a combination of preformed internal geometric shapes (e.g. circle, triangle etc.) and change the size, frequency and distribution of the geometric shapes to match the dynamics of the foot.

[0044] C. Parametric approach— create a parametrically driven mesh structure that is unique to every individual. E.g. math based curvature orientated structures that can be further customized by e.g. based on the DNA of that individual.

[0045] D. User-driven shapes—allowing for complete customization e.g. heart shaped, dog bone shaped, or any structure that is designed by the individual which is packaged by our software to be the mesh.

[0046] E. Creating a complete shoe; e.g. different shoe sizes look the same. Automatically fits around the shell with deformities, and around toes.

[0047] F. Creates an automatic weight distribution for a pair of shoes:

• • [0048] i. Same size outer shoe with different size feet
  • [0049] ii. Customized based on user needs to be the same weight shoe or different weight shoe depending on the need.

[0050] FIG. 5 illustrates a computer-graphic of a 3D-printed shoe in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. This shoe is a single piece of material which does not require additional attachment steps. However, FIGS. 6A-6H illustrate several examples of separate components of a shoe which would be printed separately and attached to another component of the shoe, such as by folding, sleeves, interlocking tabs, etc.

[0051] In one embodiment, the MidSole is to be a design file for the left and the right foot that can be printed in a single component using an FDM 3D printer without the need for support material. This component is then attached to the other shoe components using an interlocking tab design. The material is a proprietary blend combining flexibility (rubber, polyurethanes) and durability (nylon, plastics). This will allow the piece to be customized to the user footwear requirements. Further components of the midsole are as follows:

[0052] MidSole Standard Base—a design base for a midsole as per FIG. 7A. It has registered points on the design file that can be attached to a customizable algorithm as in FIG. 7C for a custom fit to the user. FIGS. 7A-7C illustrate a midsole/insole that fits to a user's foot and is inserted into a shoe as a removable insert. In FIG. 7C, a GUI illustrates how an orthotic insole may be customized for a specific user.

[0053] MidSole Block Fill—a ‘filled’ design block that will be virtually fit to a user's foot based upon their virtual foot. See FIG. 8 for a visual. In this case the design “block” would be of a base midsole shape and design and not a cube. FIG. 8 is an example of foot foam that is used to capture a person's specific foot shape. It is a visual for the Midsole criteria option (b) where foot virtually pressed into the midsole for a custom design shape.

[0054] MidSole Sections—in addition to the 2 options above, the midsole design will have 3 sections applied into the file with points of measurement where a unique algorithm of infill ratios and patterns will be applied to match the user functional requirements. See FIG. 12C for a visual example. In FIG. 12C, a FitFiop WobbleBoard technology allows for design tailored to a specific use case “exercise whilst you walk”. This example is an illustration of the ability to design ‘sections’ in the midsole that can be customized to an individual user requirement.

[0055] The Outsole is to be a design file that can be printed in a single component using an FDM 3D printer without the need for support material. This component is then attached to the other shoe components using an interlocking tab design. The outer will require a tread pattern, and may also include a logo or branding, as shown in FIG. 9. Material is a proprietary blend combining flexibility (e.g., rubber, polyurethane) and durability (e.g., nylon, plastics). It will contain less flexibility than the other 2 components to provide foot support and durability in exposure to external surface contact.

[0056] Another potential shoe component design is a set of interlocking tabs, as illustrated in FIG. 10A. The shoe components are to be combined together to form the shoe using a combination of footwear adhesives and a designed shoe interlocking element. FIG. 10B specifically shows the design file of example interlocking tabs. It is made using flexible materials, which allows the tab to be squeezed into the tab hole and then expanding to create a locking mechanism. The tab on the far left produced the strongest lock.

[0057] Examples show options for this locking mechanism suitable for different materials. FIG. 4 is suitable for flexible materials because it can be squeezed into the hole. Tabs are needed in the 3 components of the shoe to keep the pieces held together tightly.

[0058] The number of tabs will need to vary with the actual size dimensions, design will need to be flexible to allow for this to occur. For instance, a large size 17 shoe will have more tabs than a small size 4 shoe. Tab Locations/Directions on each component are to be determined.

[0059] A further design consideration is the use of flexible bendable joins, as shown by the materials in FIGS. 11A and 11B. This is an example to a design method used to bring a flexible bendable joint to a 3D printed object that is made using an FDM printer in hard plastic material, and as mentioned above. FIGS. 11 A and 11B are suitable for hard plastics where a joint can be created. A close-up view of the joint and the layer build approach is shown in FIG. 11C, which shows it as a ball bearing approach.

[0060] FIGS. 12A-12D illustrate additional design options for the shoe which demonstrate that the outer portion of the shoe may be designed in practically any known shape to provide for a unique style, color.

[0061] An example of a graphical user interface where the user is able to select their activities other aspects of the shoe is show in FIGS. 13 and 14.

[0062] When the design is complete, the shoe is now ready for manufacturing using a 3D printer. The 3D printer is capable of using a plethora of materials, but also can arrange those materials into various shapes, patterns, weights, etc. The considerations for the various materials to be used include the following:

[0063] a. Flexibility/strength: unique blend of different materials can be combined to provide varying degrees of flexibility. A custom shoe would have the ability to exhibit great flexibility where most needed, e.g. where the foot is to pivot or rotate such as the arch and toe joints, and yet provide rigidity in the areas where stiffness is most required for support e.g. base of the heel and around ankle. These can be separate materials that are changed as the part is printed or a single coil of material that has been preloaded with materials of varying flexibility or a dynamic system that is able to blend 2 or more substrates into the desired flexibility on demand.

[0064] b. Durability: materials can also be blended to increase strength and ruggedness. This is necessary when making parts of the shoe that will be in contact with the external environment. In particular, the outer sole/tread portion of the shoe that will experience the most wear and tear. Compounds such as hard rubber or plastic can be added to softer materials to increase their hardness resulting in an extended lifetime of the sole. Once again, they can be incorporated as single materials, blends in a single piece or dynamic mixing as the design dictates.

[0065] c. Finishes & Coatings: Various methods of treating the raw material or final printed article can be applied to achieve the desired mechanical, physical or optical effect. The following are a non-limiting selection of examples to be mentioned herein:

• • [0066] 1. Internal coatings—the areas which directly contact the skin (foot) can be coated with a variety of compounds that would provide a softer second skin feel to the shoe. e.g. felt, fur, wool, man-made fibers, etc.
  • [0067] 2. External or internal finishings—the exterior of the shoes can be coated with a variety of compounds that can change the properties of the material for distinct benefits. Examples include:

[0068] i) hydrophobic coatings to make waterproof

[0069] ii) anti-microbial and/or antifungal coatings for bacterial and fungal protection

[0070] iii) Gore-Tex like coatings to improve breathability and waterproofing

[0071] iv) Hypoallergenic coating for decreasing skin sensitivity

[0072] v) Powder finishes or anti-sweat coating for perspiration control

[0073] vi) Thermochromic finishes or coatings that change color with heat/light

[0074] vii) Graphene based materials for printing in situ sensors and circuitry directly into the 3D print

[0075] d. Material Mimicry: The ability to generate, use or arrange a single or minimum set of materials to achieve desired properties of the entire shoe. Various geometric features and inclusions can be employed to mimic known properties of other materials. Examples include the following, but are not limited to:

[0076] i) Gels—combining air pockets by forming geometric closed structures within the design can emulate the function and form of a gel. Varying the size of the these air pockets either randomly or through a specified pattern can dynamically change the viscoelasticity of the gel providing a tunable scale balancing comfort and support.

[0077] ii) Impact absorption—traditional shoe manufacturing techniques employ foams, air pockets, springs, etc. to dampen the transfer of energy from the ground to the person. 3D printed structures in a single, or minimum number of materials, can be design to emulate these characteristics. Features such as coils of varying size and thickness can be employed to change the dampening effect. Sealed or un-closed cavities can be generated to emulate air pockets that also provide dampening.

[0078] iii) Tunable structures: Geometric shapes such as, not limited to, triangles, circles, squares, rhombus, spirals, rectangles, etc. can be printed with varying widths, thicknesses and heights as to change the overall physical property of the solid material that is being employed. Such structures and techniques can then be tuned to provide e.g. unique stiffness distributions throughout the shoe or parts of the shoe. Flexibility can be dynamically tuned to accommodate customer need and biometric requirements for foot support in different activity levels e.g. walking, climbing, running etc.

[0079] iv) Additives—The inclusion of different additives to the base polymer for various desirable chemical and physical properties e.g. carbon fibers to improve durability, ceramics for breathability and temperature regulation, particle of gold/silver for antimicrobial and antibacterial activity,

[0080] Each shoe design that is dynamic and parametric can be made completely customizable and unique. Various factors of the shoe design will be customizable to include, but not limited to, the following:

[0081] a. Basic—wall thickness, colors and ridge details e.g. bumps, waves, grainy, smooth or other 3D TEXTURING capabilities.

[0082] b. Interwoven fabrics—e.g. chain mails or joints—custom blend materials, biomechanical mapping with action of feet.

[0083] c. Interlocking tab structures for fastening the shoe or different layers.

[0084] d. Personalized parametric design features e.g. biomechanical, user input or random generated. The customer will be able to input certain parametric values e.g. Date of Birth, Zodiac sign, pet name, wedding date, anniversary, etc. and mathematically driven algorithms will adapt the core shoe design to reflect a one of a kind extremely personal pattern in the shoe.

[0085] e. Mathematical functions to generate unique patterns and fabrics—a single surface or line in a 3D model are generated. To this feature a mathematical function such as e.g. sine-wave or square-wave may be applied; Voronoi is applied in the GCode to generate unique patterns that mimic fabrics.

[0086] One embodiment of a system and method for creating a 3D model of a body part and generating a 3D printed outerwear for the body part is illustrated in FIG. 15. In this embodiment, a user utilizes an image capture device 102, such as a digital camera, and captures several images of a body part from numerous angles (step 202). The captured images are then transmitted to a 3D modeling server 106 from a mobile device 104 connected with or integrated into the digital camera 102. The 3D modeling server 106 accesses a modeling database 108 to render the images into a 3D model (step 204). The 3D model may also be created based on additional user information (step 206), such as a user's physical disability or medical condition which affects their gait, feet, etc. This may include selecting the materials (step 208) and other advanced features for the shoe (step 210), such as specific patterns, shapes, etc. The 3D modeling server may then access the shoe database 110 to provide options for designing a shoe for the foot, at which point the 3D modeling server 106 will communicate with the user via one or more graphical user interfaces displayed on the mobile device 104 (also see FIGS. 17A-H, below). Once the user has selected the desired design, the design is stored in a user database 112, and the 3D modeling server 106 then transmits the design request to a 3D printer 114 for printing the shoe (step 212). As will be described further below, the shoe may also be embedded with one or more sensors (step 214), actuators or other electronics to obtain usage data or provide the user with therapeutic action. These sensors will be equipped to measure feedback from the use of the shoe (step 216) to determine its effectiveness.

[0087] FIGS. 17A-17H illustrate an exemplary graphical user interface (GUI) that is presented to a user for generating the 3D model and designing and printing a customized shoe. The GUI may be displayed to the user as a webpage hosted by the server 106, or via an application resident on the user's computing device, such as a desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet, mobile device or other computing device. As shown in FIGS. 17A-17H, the user can log in, receive instructions on capturing images of a body part (in this case, the foot), including printing paper grids. The user is then directed to upload their photos, after which the 3D modeling server utilizes the pictures to render the 3D model, as shown in FIG. 17E. The GUI may provide a preliminary indication based on an initial analysis of the shape of the foot as to whether the user suffers from high arches or heavy pressure. The user may then continue to select a size, style, etc., after which the user is presented with an image of the resulting shoe and the features that the shoe provides—likely the features identified by the system as lacking based on the 3D model.

[0088] In addition to features that would apply increased pressure to the specified zone, additional sensors/thermocouples could be inserted into the shoes to apply heat at the same time. Piezo elements or small sonication devices could be included to provide vibrational patterns to improve massaging. Also, electrodes could be inserted into the soles that make contact with the skin to provide electronic stimulation of the muscles in the foot for injury therapy.

[0089] Activation/massaging of different area could be achieved by either printing interchangeable insoles that targeted specific areas e.g. kidneys, eyes, stomach etc. and user would swap out based on their particular needs. Or, inflatable pockets connected by microfluidic structures could be activated either by gas or liquid that would expand into the pressure point activating that area and dynamically change with software driven by an internal CPU, smart phone, laptop or other wireless/Bluetooth connected controller device.

[0090] Microfluidics—A method of creating channels within the shoe can be employed that allow for additional fluid based mechanics to be employed in the shoe, examples include but not limited to:

[0091] Light/Luminescence—fluorescence within the channels that will react based on light (e.g. for night walking safety), on a specific action by the user (e.g. highlights when a user rolls their foot over a 45 degree angle that will create a correction of the walking gait)

[0092] Fluids—channels can contain fluids to perform actions needed by the users that include adjusting to impact/creating resistance to impact (i.e. dropping a heavy object on the foot can create an air bag style simulation on the toe), shock absorbency, regulated via pressure from the foot, oscillation of the fluids with a user driven button to create a massage effect to improve blood flow

[0093] Material change—channels can change with the foot to changes in the fit of the shoe throughout the period it is worn, e.g. the foot expands up to 5% within the day and the shoe can shrink with the use of the dynamic channels to remain a comfortable fit.

[0094] Wearable Sensors—Additional sensors could be added or 3d printed into the shoe to allow for a variety of additional features. The sensors can either be off-the-shelf and embedded into the design of the shoe, or use materials that are actually electrically conductive e.g. graphene based, that will be able to print the circuits and sensors directly into shoe design. Examples of such embedded tech are illustrated in FIG. 19. For example, FIG. 19 illustrates electronic technology 902, 904 embedded in a sole 900 of a shoe. Such embedded tech may be and/or include flexible electronics, near field charging equipment, wireless integration components, nine axis gyroscopic sensors through LTE, and/or other embedded tech. Examples of sensors that could be added or 3d printed into the shoe to allow for a variety of additional features are, but not limited to:

[0095] a) weight distribution, embedded sensors that detect the users weight and outputs a distribution of that weight across both feet and surface area of the feet.

[0096] b) measuring gait—embedded sensors that detect and monitor a user's gate, do they lead heel toe or reverse, do they favor one foot over the other, pronation etc.

[0097] c) time lapse or recovery monitoring—utilizing embedded sensors for real time tracking of correction of existing issues.

[0098] d) Automatic nightlights—lights that are embedded within the shoes that are light sensor activated, motion or impact activated.

[0099] e) GPS-embedded sensor for location, pedometer, speed distance etc.

[0100] f) weight tracking—real time monitoring of users weight, can be connected to an app.

[0101] g) Automatic “Replace-Me” sensor, i.e. your shoes are no longer providing you the support you need.

[0102] h) Near-field charging (wireless charging) through embedded flexible batteries allowing charging of electronic functions and sensors without physical connection to an external power source.

[0103] i) Wi-Fi and cell signal capabilities through embedded chips such as LTE or other cellphone based chips, permitting the transfer of data from senor based activities to cloud, apps or other data collecting methods

[0104] Growth Prediction model: e.g. for Children's footwear. Childs feet grow at extremely fast rates. Mathematical models can be employed based on some input data that would allow us to predict the growth pattern of the child's feet and print a pair of shoes to match this growth rate. that can be generated as kids feet grow. Automatically predict growth and have ready & printed

[0105] Health Prediction model: Employing examples outlined previously (e.g. weight, gait, blood flow) allows for data collection to create a prediction of common health issues (e.g. diabetes indicator with a deterioration of blood flow, gout with a swelling seen in the foot). This data can be used to indicate to the user to see a medical expert for diagnosis and the data can be sent to the medical expert in assistance in diagnosis.

[0106] Corrective orthotic issues e.g. supination, pronation, gait alignment, surgery recovery etc. Individuals seek medical assistance for a variety of foot conditions that cause discomfort. The standard method of providing support for these issues is an orthotic that is created with the aid of a medical practitioner. This is in the form of a single orthotic that tries to correct the issue. Here we present the idea of creating a more gradual correction using a selection of 3D printed shoes that correct the issue overtime and can be monitored using the embedded sensor technology. This is shown in FIG. 20. FIG. 20 illustrates a selection of 3D printed shoes 950, 952, 954, 956 that correct the issue over time 948.

[0107] FIG. 18 is a block diagram illustrating an example wired or wireless system 550 that may be used in connection with various embodiments described herein. For example the system 550 may be used as or in conjunction with a system for modeling a body part and designing a 3D printable object, as previously described with respect to FIGS. 1-17H. The system 550 can 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.

[0108] The system 550 preferably includes one or more processors, such as processor 560. 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 560.

[0109] The processor 560 is preferably connected to a communication bus 555. The communication bus 555 may include a data channel for facilitating information transfer between storage and other peripheral components of the system 550. The communication bus 555 further may provide a set of signals used for communication with the processor 560, including a data bus, address bus, and control bus (not shown). The communication bus 555 may 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.

[0110] System 550 preferably includes a main memory 565 and may also include a secondary memory 570. The main memory 565 provides storage of instructions and data for programs executing on the processor 560. The main memory 565 is 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”).

[0111] The secondary memory 570 may optionally include a internal memory 575 and/or a removable medium 580, for example a floppy disk drive, a magnetic tape drive, a compact disc (“CD”) drive, a digital versatile disc (“DVD”) drive, etc. The removable medium 580 is read from and/or written to in a well-known manner. Removable storage medium 580 may be, for example, a floppy disk, magnetic tape, CD, DVD, SD card, etc.

[0112] The removable storage medium 580 is 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 medium 580 is read into the system 550 for execution by the processor 560.

[0113] In alternative embodiments, secondary memory 570 may include other similar means for allowing computer programs or other data or instructions to be loaded into the system 550. Such means may include, for example, an external storage medium 595 and an interface 570. Examples of external storage medium 595 may include an external hard disk drive or an external optical drive, or and external magneto-optical drive.

[0114] Other examples of secondary memory 570 may 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 media 580 and communication interface 590, which allow software and data to be transferred from an external medium 595 to the system 550.

[0115] System 550 may also include an input/output (“I/O”) interface 585. The I/O interface 585 facilitates input from and output to external devices. For example the I/O interface 585 may receive input from a keyboard or mouse and may provide output to a display. The I/O interface 585 is capable of facilitating input from and output to various alternative types of human interface and machine interface devices alike.

[0116] System 550 may also include a communication interface 590. The communication interface 590 allows software and data to be transferred between system 550 and external devices (e.g. printers), networks, or information sources. For example, computer software or executable code may be transferred to system 550 from a network server via communication interface 590. Examples of communication interface 590 include 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.

[0117] Communication interface 590 preferably 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.

[0118] Software and data transferred via communication interface 590 are generally in the form of electrical communication signals 605. These signals 605 are preferably provided to communication interface 590 via a communication channel 600. In one embodiment, the communication channel 600 may be a wired or wireless network, or any variety of other communication links. Communication channel 600 carries signals 605 and 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.

[0119] Computer executable code (i.e., computer programs or software) is stored in the main memory 565 and/or the secondary memory 570. Computer programs can also be received via communication interface 590 and stored in the main memory 565 and/or the secondary memory 570. Such computer programs, when executed, enable the system 550 to perform the various functions of the present invention as previously described.

[0120] 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 550. Examples of these media include main memory 565, secondary memory 570 (including internal memory 575, removable medium 580, and external storage medium 595), and any peripheral device communicatively coupled with communication interface 590 (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 550.

[0121] In an embodiment that is implemented using software, the software may be stored on a computer readable medium and loaded into the system 550 by way of removable medium 580, I/O interface 585, or communication interface 590. In such an embodiment, the software is loaded into the system 550 in the form of electrical communication signals 605. The software, when executed by the processor 560, preferably causes the processor 560 to perform the inventive features and functions previously described herein.

[0122] The system 550 also includes optional wireless communication components that facilitate wireless communication over a voice and over a data network. The wireless communication components comprise an antenna system 610, a radio system 615 and a baseband system 620. In the system 550, radio frequency (“RF”) signals are transmitted and received over the air by the antenna system 610 under the management of the radio system 615.

[0123] In one embodiment, the antenna system 610 may comprise one or more antennae and one or more multiplexors (not shown) that perform a switching function to provide the antenna system 610 with 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 615.

[0124] In alternative embodiments, the radio system 615 may comprise one or more radios that are configured to communicate over various frequencies. In one embodiment, the radio system 615 may 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 system 615 to the baseband system 620.

[0125] If the received signal contains audio information, then baseband system 620 decodes the signal and converts it to an analog signal. Then the signal is amplified and sent to a speaker. The baseband system 620 also receives analog audio signals from a microphone. These analog audio signals are converted to digital signals and encoded by the baseband system 620. The baseband system 620 also codes the digital signals for transmission and generates a baseband transmit audio signal that is routed to the modulator portion of the radio system 615. 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 system 610 where the signal is switched to the antenna port for transmission.

[0126] The baseband system 620 is also communicatively coupled with the processor 560. The central processing unit 560 has access to data storage areas 565 and 570. The central processing unit 560 is preferably configured to execute instructions (i.e., computer programs or software) that can be stored in the memory 565 or the secondary memory 570. Computer programs can also be received from the baseband processor 610 and stored in the data storage area 565 or in secondary memory 570, or executed upon receipt. Such computer programs, when executed, enable the system 550 to perform the various functions of the present invention as previously described. For example, data storage areas 565 may include various software modules (not shown) that are executable by processor 560.

[0127] 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.

[0128] 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.

[0129] 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.

[0130] 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.

[0131] The above description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles described herein can be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is to be understood that the description and drawings presented herein represent a presently preferred embodiment of the invention and are therefore representative of the subject matter which is broadly contemplated by the present invention. It is further understood that the scope of the present invention fully encompasses other embodiments that may become obvious to those skilled in the art and that the scope of the present invention is accordingly not limited.